Catherine - Saint Catherine of Siena Holy Card

Saint Catherine of Siena is the Patron Saint of Italy. She was born Catherine Benincasa in Siena in 1347. At an early age she joined the Third Order of Saint Dominic in which she gained a reputation for great sanctity. Recognizing her holiness and wisdom many followed her leadership in her devotion to the poor. She labored incessantly and with fiery zeal for the unity of the Church and was a devoted champion of the Papacy.

She died in Rome in 1380 after a remarkable life, leaving a legacy of outstanding spiritual treatises. Saint Catherine was canonized in 1461; her Feast occurs on April 29.