WebSt. Catherine, then 14, joined a group of Franciscan tertiaries in Ferrara who later adopted the Rule of St. Clare. She rapidly gained a wide reputation for her holiness and her severe asceticism. We are now in a position to meditate on a veritable monument of theology which, after the Treatise on the Seven Spiritual Weapons, is made up of distinct and autonomous parts: The Twelve Gardens, a mystical work of her youth, Rosarium, a Latin poem on the life of Jesus, and The Sermons, copies of Catherine's words to her religious sisters." She was the daughter of John de Vigri and Benvenuta Mammolini. http://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/prospero-fontana/ [1] She was raised at Niccolo III's court as a lady-in-waiting to his wife Parisina Malatesta (d. 1425) and became lifelong friends with his natural daughter Margherita d'Este (d. As a sister, Catherine did her part for the community by performing more mundane tasks: laundry, baking and other housework. Omissions? At a young age she is said to have consecrated her virginity to Christ and experienced mystical visions. During that first period in Ferrara, she received many mystical graces, but she also had to endure many spiritual trials. From the distance of so many centuries she is still very modern and speaks to our lives. Catherine was appointed as the abbess, or superior, of the order. WebClare is known as a patron of artists, probably because she worked as a manuscript illustrator. But whoever wishes to undertake this battle must never give up, for the enemies never sleep.2, St. Catherine conceived religious life as that of a soldier on the battlefield who courageously confronts the enemy. She was exhumed 18 days later after visitors noticed a sweet smell coming from her grave and some experienced miracles. It was later translated in French and Italian, thus helping to spread late-medieval vernacular mysticism in the early modern period. She felt forsaken by God, she found herself in the darkness of faith. - King Fernando III! But Catherine, then aged 14, politely declined the offer in order to become a servant of God. Catherine, then 14, joined a group of Franciscan tertiaries in Ferrara who later adopted the Rule of St. Clare. She had entered the community two years before, and on account of her innocence, she recognized and admired the virtues of the abbess. Before her stood a throne as bright as the sun, upon which sat Jesus, flanked by the deacons St. Vincent and St. Lawrence, and surrounded by Angels. WebThe Deliverance of St. Peter; The Healing of the Lame Man; The Dispute of St. Catherine; Miracle of the Black Sea; John Shipley. There she was able to study literature, poetry, music and painting, revealing exceptional artistic gifts, which she put to use with remarkable unpretentiousness, and which explain her designation as patroness of artists. He became the favored artist of the Pope and had the honor of receiving many important commissions. WebBy continuing to use this site, you consent to the terms of our cookie policy, which can be found in our Privacy Notice. Catherine, then 14, joined a group of Franciscan tertiaries in Ferrara who later adopted the Rule of St. Clare. Tradition tells us that the white mark which remained on St. Catherines incorrupt body indicates the exact spot where Jesus affectionately kissed her. Practical Practice of Fasting with Fr Dwight Longenecker, 10 important things to consider during Lent, The Happy Priest on Lent, Happiness and the Call to Selfless Love, Daily Readings for Wednesday, March 01, 2023, St. David: Saint of the Day for Wednesday, March 01, 2023, Lenten Prayer: Prayer of the Day for Monday, February 27, 2023. In the very first pages of this book, entitled The Seven Spiritual Weapons, she describes the life of a Christian as follows: At the beginning and at the end of this battle, one must pass through a stormy sea, that is, through many distressing temptations and fierce battles.1 And to help us triumph in this struggle, she adds: I want to give you at the very outset some weapons that will enable you to fight effectively against the cunning of our enemies. Catherine is significant as a woman artist who articulated an aesthetic philosophy. So, it was decided that she should be exhumed. St. Catherine of Bologna was an Italian nun and artist born as Catherine de' Vigri on September 8, 1413 in Bologna, Italy. WebThe Deliverance of St. Peter; The Healing of the Lame Man; The Dispute of St. Catherine; Miracle of the Black Sea; John Shipley. WebFrom Visionaries, Mystics and Stigmatists Perhaps, one of the greatest Miracles is the in-corrupt body of our Saint, seated on a regal throne in a Chapel to the left of the main altar in the Church of Corpus Domini in Bologna. Catherine tried, indeed, to be excused, explaining that she was entirely incapable of this task; but she was compelled by obedience to accept it. July 22, 1456 became a historic day for that city. Through her efforts with Pope Nicholas V, the Poor Clare convent at Ferrara erected an enclosure, and Catherine was appointed Superioress. It remains intact, never having decomposed for over five hundred years! Having always lived what she had taught, she was able to carry out whatever was required of her, even with her soul separated from her body. She also served as a caretaker for the animals. Style: Mannerist. . Pope Clement VII granted the nuns permission to say the Office and celebrate Holy Mass in honor of Saint Catherine on March 9th which became her Feast Day. Among her visual art production, a painting of St. Ursula, now held at Venices Galleria dellAccademia, particular stands out, as well as her own illuminated manuscript which was used by Pope Pius IX and is now preserved in Oxford, England. Catherine received a wonderful education in reading, writing, singing and drawing while being raised at the court of the Duke of Ferrara. Read his story here. St. Catherine of Siena, original name Caterina Benincasa, (born March 25, 1347, Siena, Tuscany [Italy]died April 29, 1380, Rome; canonized 1461; feast day April 29), Dominican tertiary, mystic, and one of the patron saints of Italy. She so calmly spoke these words right before her death, Lord Jesus Christ, my God, I thank Thee for having firmly set my feet on the rock of the Faith and directed my steps on the pathway of salvation. One of them took place in the garden: a sister who was working there cut off her own foot with a violent blow of the hoe. Previously, she had been in a Chapel inside the Monastery. [5] In 1431 the beguine house was converted into the Observant Poor Clare convent of Corpus Domini, which grew from 12 women in 1431 to 144 women by the end of the century. WebCatherine was to be canonized by Pope Clement XI on 22 May 1712. But her humility did not stop her spiritual and creative genius. [17], A drawing of a Man of Sorrows or Resurrected Christ found in a miscellany of lauds (Ms. 35 no.4, Archivio Generale Arcivescovile, Bologna) has also been attributed to her. This painting is not showing the part of the story that is said to be the miracle, when she survived death by the wheel, but it is still a powerful painting. Casting off comfortable courtly life with ready love and obedience, Catherine found great joy in performing humble duties of daily laundry and the baking of convent bread. WebIn St. Catherine of Bologna, Divine Providence deposited admirable gifts, among which stand out her docility in allowing herself to be loved by God. She was buried without a coffin and her body was exhumed eighteen days later because of many cures attributed to her at her graveside and the sweet scent coming from her grave. When she refused the bribe of a royal marriage, he ordered her lashed and had her imprisoned. Yet in all these situations she was always holding the Lords hand, she did not leave him, she did not abandon him. WebCatherine was to be canonized by Pope Clement XI on 22 May 1712. But when we got there, we discovered a very powerful Saint who became very personal to us. Throughout her life, Catherine experienced visions of both Jesus Christ and Satan, which she documented in her treatise. Encourage children to be creative in decorating their pages. During this time she also authored a number of religious treatises and sermons and crafted her own illuminated breviary. In dispensing to them spiritual consolation she said, "My dear sisters, you are now the true brides of the Divine Savior, who chose pain and sufferings as His portion. trans. Catherine was the youngest of 25 children born to a lower middle-class family; most of her siblings did not survive childhood. The most distinguished suitors were compelled to withdraw without the least hope of obtaining her hand in marriage; she entertained no other desire than to be plighted forever to Jesus Christ, the spouse of her heart. Soon, the women decided to join an order of nuns called the Poor Clares. Thus it can still be seen in Bologna robed in a costly garment presented by St Charles Borromeo and seated upright on a throne, under a crystal shrine. At the age of nine, she went to live at the court of the Marquis of Ferrara, where she became the maid of honour of Princess Margherita dEste. and a guide to building a strong It appears as if you had not yet learnt to be a true servant of Christ.". The Saint remained in prayer for some time, after which he lay down and went into a deep sleep. It wasnt until the 1540s that he began to receive important commissions from the Bolognese society. Box 724Nobleton, ON L0G 1N0Phone: 1-800-674-3410, P.O. However, the religious, thinking of the regrettable consequences that this would have for the precious relic, asked permission to exhume the body of the abbess on the eighteenth day and deposit it in a vault. Soon numerous miracles began to take place. Perhaps, one of the greatest Miracles is the in-corrupt body of our Saint, seated on a regal throne in a Chapel to the left of the main altar in the Church of Corpus Domini in Bologna. As was the custom of the Poor Clares, she was buried without a coffin. Author Return to Franciscan Calendar Page Return to Incorruptible Saints Page Return to Saints Page Return to Roman Catholic Saints Homepage These nuns turned away from anything that kept them from focusing on God. Pomata, Gianna. The record of her ecstatic experiences in The Dialogue illustrates her doctrine of the inner cell of the knowledge of God and of self into which she withdrew. She rapidly gained a wide reputation for her holiness and her severe asceticism. Perhaps partly thanks to such a secluded life, she proved an incredibly prolific artist, writer and philosopher, leaving behind many important pieces of work in her 49 years of life on earth. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. WebCatherine lived at Corpus Domini, Ferrara most of her life from 1431 to 1456, serving as Mistress of Novices. Soon, the women decided to join an order of nuns called the Poor Clares. Among the first to come was Queen Isabel of Naples, Italy, who arriving in her regal finery, venerated our Saint and then left her ring as a token of her affection. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Catherine-of-Bologna, The Catholic Encyclopedia - Biography of St. Catherine of Bologna. As a sister, Catherine did her part for the community by performing more mundane tasks: laundry, baking and other housework. After five years, this group disbanded, but Catherine and some of her companions formed a new group, ruled by the spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi. We hope reading about her that you will turn to her and get to know her with your head and heart, as we have. In this state, almost in agony, the abbess fell into an ecstasy and had a vision: she found herself in an wonderful garden, adorned with many beautiful flowers. So, it was decided that she should be exhumed. And walking hand in hand with the Lord, she walked on the right path and found the way of light.. WebCatherine lived at Corpus Domini, Ferrara most of her life from 1431 to 1456, serving as Mistress of Novices. It is necessary to overcome the one snare as well as the other." Annunciation; Miraculous Draught of Fish; Transfiguration; Raising of Lazarus; Resurrection; Amanda Weaver. She left Ferrara in July 1456 with 12 sisters to start the new community and remained abbess there until her death on 9 March 1463. There have been other paintings of this miracle story, but there is something spectacular about the way Fontana depicted the scene. 123 Articles, By Does the Bible Have Anything to do with My Life? Catherine of Bologna is the patron saint of artists. The reputation of the Community for its holiness and austerity became widespread. Catherine represents the rare phenomenon of a 15th-century nunan artist whose artworks are preserved in her personal breviary. Corrections? The Poor Clares of Bologna decided to place the former abbess body in a room inside the annexed Church of Corpus Domini, where her remains are still found today, more than 500 years later, in sitting position, holding a golden cross and a copy of the Holy Bible. A Rule is a specific expression of the Christian life which calls the men or women of a particular religious order to a daily pattern of prayer, work and charity. Today, we humbly ask you to defend Catholic Online's independence. People with incurable diseases began to experience a complete recovery of their health at the site, and three dead children came back to life. Catherine is dressed in her religious habit seated upright on a golden throne behind glass in the chapel of the Poor Clares in Bologna. Catherine was determined to live a life of perfection, and was admired by her companions for her holiness. There, she served as an abbess until her death at age 49 in 1463, when she reportedly passed away while playing the viola. There, she served as an abbess until. She also served as a caretaker for the animals. WebCatherine returned home and joined a group of young women who performed good works in Jesus name and spent time in prayer together every day. She went joyfully to the appointed place, exhorted all the people who had come to witness her death to abandon idolatry, prayed to God for their conversion, and then received the stroke that sent her soul to heaven. Most people donate because Catholic Online is useful. It was eventually relocated to a chapel where it remains on display, dressed in her religious habit, seated upright behind glass. Severiano de Oliveira;Silvia Gabriela Panez;Marcos Aurelio Chacaliaza, P. O. Her most remarkable vision was on Christmas Eve, when she claimed that Mary appeared to her with baby Jesus, and that Mary even let Catherine hold him. Saint of the Day for Thursday, March 2nd, 2023, 5 prayers you should say this Lenten Season News, 7 Morning Prayers you need to get your day started with God. From Rome she sent out letters and exhortations to gain support for Urban; as one of her last efforts, she tried to win back Queen Joan I of Naples to obedience to Urban, who had excommunicated the queen for supporting the antipope Clement VII. Location: Capitoline Museum, Rome Then she became Superioress of a new school in Bologna. Troubled by the temptations of the devil at that time, St. Catherine prayed day and night, asking for divine light to shine upon her, until one night St. Thomas of Canterbury appeared to her, dressed in pontifical vestments. During the Lenten season of 1463, Catherine became seriously ill, and on March 9th she passed away. Casting off comfortable courtly life with ready love and obedience, Catherine found great joy in performing humble duties of daily laundry and the baking of convent bread. They are prolific writers about the Catholic faith, especially the Saints for which they have been dubbed "experts on the Saints." Donations to Catholic Vitality Publications, Copyright 2011 Roman-Catholic-Saints.com. Author and Publisher - Catholic Online [13] Besides multiple images of Christ and the infant swaddled Christ Child, she depicted other saints, including Thomas Becket, Jerome, Paul, Anthony of Padua, Mary Magdalene, and Catherine of Alexandria. With this, she returned to her birthplace, where she would always be remembered. Copyright (c) 2010 Bob and Penny Lord's Site, Bob and Penny Lord are renowned Catholic authors and television hosts on EWTN, Global Catholic television. At the time, the custom of the Poor Clares did not allow the sisters to be buried in a coffin. Box 42359Houston, TX 77242Phone: 281-676-8526, All rights reserved - Heralds of the Gospel. Although she probably taught similar ideas, she kept the written version hidden until she neared death and then handed it to her confessor with instructions to send a copy to the Poor Clares at Ferrara. Hence she was also loved by all of them. Catherine of Bologna was an Italian nun and artist born as Catherine de' Vigri on September 8, 1413, in Bologna, Italy. As Catherine used her talents to honor and glorify God, she is the patroness of artists. Three years later, in 1432, the Provincial of the Franciscans placed them under the first rule of St. Clare. [2] The treatise was circulated in manuscript form through a network of Poor Clare convents. We're not salespeople, but we depend on donations averaging $14.76 and fewer than 1% of readers give. She had been buried without a coffin, as were all those who died in her order, but her body was exhumed eighteen days later when a heavenly perfume was noticed to come form the area. WebSaint Catherine of Bologna was charged with the duties of the bakery; she cheerfully undertook this laborious service, and even when the heat began to affect her eyes, she remained at her post as long as the abbess required it. She went as an unofficial mediator to Avignon with her confessor and biographer Raymond of Capua. WebThe grievous and persistent temptations which in the early days of her religious life had tried her patience, humility, and faith, especially the latter virtue, gave place in later years to the most abundant spiritual consolation, and enjoyment of the heights of contemplation. WebCatherine was to be canonized by Pope Clement XI on 22 May 1712. read more . Thank you. (Saint Catherine de Bologne). WebCatherine lived at Corpus Domini, Ferrara most of her life from 1431 to 1456, serving as Mistress of Novices. Catherine was buried in a simple fashion according to the Poor Clares tradition. WebOf noble birth, Catherine was educated at the Este court at Ferrara and entered the order in 1432. Forgive the faults I committed in ignorance and wash my soul in the blood I will shed for Thee. It, therefore, played an important role in the dissemination of late medieval vernacular mysticism in the early modern period. She was exhumed 18 days later after visitors noticed a sweet smell coming from her grave and some experienced miracles. The beauty of her life and death encourages us to live in perfect charity as a Lenten goal. Saint Catherine was beatified in 1524 by Pope Clement VII and canonized on May 22, 1712 by Pope Clement XI. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Her feast day is celebrated on March 9. It was only when the Abbess ordered her, did Catherine, out of obedience, sit unaided in the chair and in the same position she can be found to this day. Catherine understood this teaching and from that time on followed it wholeheartedly. Her self-taught style incorporated motifs from needlework and devotional prints. Among her visual art production, a painting of. After being examined by doctors, the body remained exposed for the devotion of the faithful for six days, and was then placed in a crypt under the altar. She was the daughter of John de Vigri and Benvenuta Mammolini. Federal Tax Identification Number: 81-0596847. The birth of Saint Catherine of Bologna was foretold to her devout father by the Blessed Virgin, with the announcement that the child would be a brilliant light throughout the world. [1]Every mortal sin is a sin against God. Date: 1551 Take care of it as if it were mine and do it no further harm.5. When she returned to remove the bread, which many sisters imagined would be completely charred, she found it baked to perfection. Accordingly, she encouraged the members of her community with words such as these: Beloved sisters, the dowry that Christ Jesus wants to find in each one of you is that you be valiant in battle, that is, strong and steadfast in the fight.3, However, it was not only her gifts as a pious writer that the novices of Ferrara could appreciate. At the time, the city of Ferrara was becoming a cultural center, providing the young girls with an excellent education in music, literature, painting, and dancing. St. Catherine's piety, charity, and kindness attracted many to follow her along the road to Christian perfection. She and Margaret were educated together by a private tutor. Her most famous work is probably the Seven Spiritual Weapons Necessary for Spiritual Warfare, written in 1438 and continuously re-drafted until her death in 1463. He was commissioned to paint The Dispute of St. Catherine which can be seen in the Capitoline Museum in Rome. When she was a young girl, her aristocratic father sent her to court in Ferrara to be a lady-in-waiting to the Marquis daughter, Princess Margarita. Saint Catherine of Bologna spent most of her life as a cloistered nun in the convent of the Poor Clares of Bologna, in northern Italy. Feast Day: March 9 Catholic Online is a Project of Your Catholic Voice Foundation, a Not-for-Profit Corporation. The exciting life story of WebSt. Articles like these are sponsored free for every Catholic through the support of generous readers just like you. As companion to Margaret d'Este she was educated at the ducal court until Margaret's marriage. In 1456 she founded in Bologna a convent of Poor Clares, serving as abbess until her death. Saint Catherine of Bologna had good education in drawing, writing, reading and language. The patron saint of artists and against temptations, Catherine de' Vigri was venerated for nearly three centuries in her native Bologna before being formally canonized in 1712 by Pope Clement XI. Then, repeating the sweet name of Jesus three times, she took flight to meet the Lamb. Compose a prayer in honor of artists, asking for the intercession of St. Catherine. by Marion Habig, ofm. The process for her Canonization was started in 1669 and was solemnly concluded on Trinity Sunday, the 22nd of May, 1712 when Pope Clement IX proclaimed to the whole world, to the whole Roman Catholic Church that we had a Saint! In addition, she wrote lauds, short religious treatises, and letters,[9] as well as a 5000-line Latin poem called the Rosarium Metricum,[10] the I Dodici Giardini and I Sermoni. Catherine became a tertiary (member of a monastic third order who takes simple vows and may remain outside a convent or monastery) of the Dominican order (1363), joining the Sisters of Penitence of St. Dominic in Siena. She was buried in Bologna but soon after her burial, miracles began happening near her gravesite. Catherine of Bologna was an Italian nun and artist born as Catherine de' Vigri on September 8, 1413, in Bologna, Italy. Catherine became a tertiary (member of a monastic third order who takes simple vows and may remain outside a convent or monastery) of the Dominican order (1363), joining the Sisters of Penitence of St. Dominic in Siena. [16] Recently one scholar has tried to question certain attributions. Catherine had spent 24 years in the convent at Ferrara and had trained many sisters in the way of sanctity when, at the request of the city of Bologna, she was sent with 15 sisters to establish a similar convent in her native town. Excerpted from Christ Our Life, by Sisters of Notre Dame of Chardon, Ohio. St. Catherine of Bologna His glory will be seen upon you, Blessed Clemens August von Galen The Lion of Mnster, St. Walburga A Soul Ever Faithful to the Divine Will, St. Alberic Leader of a Monastic Rebellion, Blessed Maria Victoria Fornari Strata Everything passes and all is naught, except God, St. Columban To this day the earth shines from his radiance. Her father was an important government official who worked for the Marquis of Ferrara, a member of the royal family. Saint Catherine of Bologna spent most of her life as a cloistered nun in the convent of the Poor Clares of Bologna, in northern Italy. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. http://catholicharboroffaithandmorals.com/St.%20Catherine%20of%20Alexandria.html. Printable Catholic Saints PDFs WebThroughout her life, Catherine experienced visions of both Jesus Christ and Satan, which she documented in her treatise. Catherine became known as a miracle worker after her death in 1463. [11] These were discovered around 2000 and described by Cardinal Giacomo Biffi: as "now revealed in their surprising beauty. Today, her fully preserved remains dating to more than 500 hundred years ago are still preserved inside the beautiful Corpus Domini church of Bologna, also known as, During this time she also authored a number of religious treatises and sermons and crafted her own illuminated breviary. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. [15] Other panel paintings and manuscripts attributed to her include the Madonna and Child (nicknamed the Madonna del Pomo) in the Cappella Della Santa, a possible portrait or self-portrait in the autograph copy of the Sette Armi Spirituali, a Redeemer, and another Madonna and Child in her chapel. Saint Catherine of Bologna was charged with the duties of the bakery; she cheerfully undertook this laborious service, and even when the heat began to affect her eyes, she remained at her post as long as the abbess required it. Open now Thy arms wounded on the cross to receive my soul, which I offer in sacrifice to the glory of Thy Name. Thank you! In 1432, Catherine and other young women of Ferrara founded a monastery of the Order of Poor Clares, an order founded by St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi. If you donate just $5.00, or whatever you can, Catholic Online could keep thriving for years. Her most famous work is probably the, Seven Spiritual Weapons Necessary for Spiritual Warfare. Perhaps partly thanks to such a secluded life, she proved an incredibly prolific artist, writer and philosopher, leaving behind many important pieces of work in her 49 years of life on earth. A complete edition of Catherines works, together with her biography by Raymond, was published in Siena (170721).

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