Today begins a short series on the life of Catherine of Siena, her inner life and how she interacted with the people and world around her.

     Catherine of Siena is considered one of the foremost mystics of her day.  Mysicism has roots that go back to the early beginnings of the church.  William of St. Thierry, “the most “Greek” of the twelfth-century theologians” writes somewhat of a description of a Mystic.  He writes,

“it is when man becomes with God one single thing, one single spirit, not only by a union of a will tha wills the same as He does, but by a more profoundly true virtue that is not capable of willing anything anything else.  This virtue is called unity of spirit not only because the Holy Spirit produces it or deposes it in the spirit of man, but because it is the Holy Spirit itself, God-Love.  It is present… when the blessed soul finds herself taken up in the embrace of the Father and the Son; when, in an ineffable, incomprehensible manner, the man of God deserves to become not God, but nevertheless what God is, man becoming by grace what God is by virtue of HIs nature”.

     As we will see in the life of  Catherine of Siena, the mystic, a  living out of this “unity of spirit”.  From Catherine’s very early age in life, we will see the beginnings of this spiritual development leading to this unity with God.  As a teenager the fruits of this life will begin to pour out on the community, and the world around her.  An example of a life of contemplation, action and encouragement of others to progress in their faith.  She will be driven to show Christ’s love to the poor, the infirm, the religious hierarchy, and the government of her day.  She will model this life for others to follow through a type of Spiritual Direction, help them to grow in their relationship with God.  By the time she dies at thirty three years of age, we will see a life lived in, and by God’s grace for His glory.

     As we move forward in this series, keep in mind the time and place in which she lived, her gender, age, and education.  Consider her devotion to God and how God uses her for his glory. 

Quote: Emilie Zum Brunn and Georgette Epiney-Burgard, Women Mystics in Medieval Europe

Picture: Saint Catherine of Siena, by Domenico Beccafumi, c 1515