St Catherine of Siena--1347-1380

At the age of six she had a vision of the Lord enthroned among the saints after which she vowed to be a virgin and to dedicate her life to God. Against the wishes of her family she began a life of prayer and became a member of the Dominican laity. She spent many hours in her room in prayer and was in ecstasy most of the time. After two years of fervent prayer she began to visit hospitals, prisons, and scaffolds. She even traveled to Avignon, France, to persuade the Pope that he should return to Rome. Shortly after her visit the pope did return to Rome. She has left a legacy of many letters to her spiritual disciples. Her most famous book is her "Dialogues." She was a bringer of peace to troubled times. Catherine died at the young age of 33 and has since been named a doctor of the church.

She holds the book of her Dialogues and a lily of innocence.

The papal tiara recalls her many interventions with the popes, pleading for an end to the division of the church. A crown of thorns, encircles her heart filled with divine love.