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==Early life==

==Early life==

Catherine was the youngest of 25 siblings born to father Giacomo di Benincasa and mother Lapa. As a child, Catherine was so merry that the family gave her the pet name of Euphrosyne, which is Greek for Joy and also the name of an early Christian saint. <ref>[http://www.ewtn.com/library/MARY/CATSIENA.HTM SAINT CATHERINE OF SIENA VIRGIN] EWTN</ref> At age six, she had the first of many visions that may have determined her vocation. She had a vision of [[Christ]] seated in glory with the Apostles [[Peter]], [[Paul]], and [[John]]. A year later the little girl made a secret vow to give her whole life to God. Prayer and solitude with Christ was her passion. At age sixteen, she was permitted to enter the sisters of Penance of St Dominic. Later in life, her visions led her to receive the [[stigmata]].

Catherine was the youngest of 25 siblings born to father Giacomo di Benincasa and mother Lapa. As a child, Catherine was so merry that the family gave her the pet name of Euphrosyne, which is Greek for Joy and also the name of an early Christian saint.<ref>[http://www.ewtn.com/library/MARY/CATSIENA.HTM SAINT CATHERINE OF SIENA VIRGIN] EWTN</ref> At age six, she had the first of many visions that may have determined her vocation. She had a vision of [[Christ]] seated in glory with the Apostles [[Peter]], [[Paul]], and [[John]]. A year later the little girl made a secret vow to give her whole life to God. Prayer and solitude with Christ was her passion. At age sixteen, she was permitted to enter the sisters of Penance of St Dominic. Later in life, her visions led her to receive the [[stigmata]].

==Papal Reforms==

==Papal Reforms==

==Books==

==Books==

The works of St. Catherine of Siena rank among the classics of the Italian language, written in the beautiful Tuscan vernacular. <ref>[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03447a.htm St. Catherine of Siena] Catholic Encyclopedia</ref> Her writings consist of nearly 400 letters and a series of prayers. Her most famous writings, the Treatise on Divine Providence also known as the Dialogue. Also, her smaller work called the Treatise on Consummate Perfection.

The works of St. Catherine of Siena rank among the classics of the Italian language, written in the beautiful Tuscan vernacular.<ref>[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03447a.htm St. Catherine of Siena] Catholic Encyclopedia</ref> Her writings consist of nearly 400 letters and a series of prayers. Her most famous writings, the Treatise on Divine Providence also known as the Dialogue. Also, her smaller work called the Treatise on Consummate Perfection.

St. Catherine died at age 33. Eighty-one years after her death, she was [[canonized]] by [[Pope Pius II]]. [[Pope Paul VI]] made her a [[Doctor of the Church]] October 4, 1970. [[Pope John Paul II]] marked the 25th anniversary of being a Church Doctor by honoring her "impassioned liveliness" and "freedom of initiative."  St. Catherine is the patroness Saint of [[Italy]].

St. Catherine died at age 33. Eighty-one years after her death, she was [[canonized]] by [[Pope Pius II]]. [[Pope Paul VI]] made her a [[Doctor of the Church]] October 4, 1970. [[Pope John Paul II]] marked the 25th anniversary of being a Church Doctor by honoring her "impassioned liveliness" and "freedom of initiative."  St. Catherine is the patroness Saint of [[Italy]].

==External Links==

==External links==

[http://www.vatican.va/spirit/documents/spirit_20001020_caterina_en.html The Dialogue LXXV]

* [http://www.vatican.va/spirit/documents/spirit_20001020_caterina_en.html The Dialogue LXXV]

==References==

==References==