St Catharine of Siena (1347-1380) is surrounded by a garland of flowers. Her habit is the garb of the Dominican order. On her head she wears a crown of thorns. To symbolise her purity, she is holding a cross and a lily, while her hands show the visible marks of stigmata.

Devotion

Catharine was born in Sienna in 1347. From the age of seven, she devoted her life to the passion of Christ. She collected food and clothes for the poor, visited prisoners and tended the sick. Later she became involved in politics. She gained such fame as a mystic that she was able to persuade Pope Gregory XI, who ruled from Avignon, to move the papacy back to Rome.

Stigmata

Stigmata (Greek for brands or signs) are red patches or wounds on the body of a religious devotee. They appear on the hands, the feet and the side of the torso. That is wear Christ’s body was wounded at the crucifixion. Stigmata testify to the experience by a believer of Christ’s physical and spiritual suffering. Wearing a crown of thorns has the same effect. It is a way for the religious to experience Christ’s pain and humiliation.

Sainthood

Catharine was canonised by Pope Pius II in 1461. Her principal work is Dialogue of Divine Providence, composed in 1378. Here she speaks expressively about Christ’s compassion for the world, God’s providence and the search for truth. Over 380 letters have survived in which she corresponded with Church leaders and ordinary men and women. She died at the age of 33 in Rome.