Catherine of Siena, left behind many letters and written prayers that teach us much about her as a person and how she effected her world.  It is within these writings that we can see how her interactions with others take on a form of spiritual direction.  Kenneth Leech writes,

“In the Dominican tradition,  St. Catherine of Siena became spiritual director to a circle of friends, her bella brigada, and she wrote numerous letters of guidance.  St. Vincent Ferrer in his “Treatise on the Spiritual Life”, emphasized that a person who has a director by whom he allows himself to be guided, whom he obeys in all his actions, great and small, will more easily and quickly arrive at perfection that he ever could by himself.”

     As a type for us to follow today this fourteenth century idea of direction may seem “too directive” however, if we consider that direction is ultimatelyy about our awareness and movement towards a deeper relationship with God, this may fit within the context of even our modern concept of spiritual direction.  W. Paul Jones describes spiritual direction as “providing companionship on some one’s pilgrimage; walking together in the spirit so as to provide support, discernment, and encounter; integrating spiritually the intersections of the person’s intellectual, emotional, social, and cultural contexts.” Thomas Merton writes, “Spiritual direction is, in reality, nothing more than a way of leading us to see and obey the real Director— the Holy Spirit hidden in the depths of our soul.” Both of the above modern definitions do not fit totally with the model that can be found with Catherine of Siena, but they do both mention leading and support of the other as we as Directors journey with those who have come along side us.

     Though Catherine left many writings, it is in her letters that we can see her fervent guidance and support of others on their journey of faith.  In a letter written to Giovanni Perotti, Catherine writes after sharing the Word and some of her thoughts on faith,

“So in this way I want you to follow, my dear son, so that you may be a real father in nurturing your soul and the children God has given you, growing constantly from virtue to virtue.  Understand, though that there is no way we can have these fruits, the virtues, of ourselves.  We are wild trees, and must be en grafted, through the love and desire for God, into this sweet tree, Christ crucified. How? When we see that he loves us so much as to have given his life for us, we cannot keep ourselves from becoming one thing with him.”

     Unfortunately we do not have Giovanni’s side of the dialogue, but this as in many of her letters, shows a deep loving relationship between them.  We see here more than a nudging towards good action.  We see strong but loving encouragement to progress in the faith.  There is a sense of disciple and teacher and yet an inclusion of the teacher as one who also is on the journey.  In one of her letters, Catherine states, “I was provided with writing so that I might give vent to my heart, lest it should burst.”   This statement gives insight to the zeal and fervor that had developed in her due to her connection with God.  It was this strong connection that gave rise to her desire for God and for her love and encouragement of all, especially those who wanted to follow hard after God.  Perhaps her model or type of direction needs to be seen within the context of her day and religious culture.  It may not be what we would do on a regular basis with all people, but it may be something that we will sense by the Spirit when it is needed.

Quotes:  Kenneth Leech, Soul Friend: Spiritual Direction in the Modern World.  pg. 51-52

                  W. Paul Jones, The Art of Spiritual Direction: Giving and Receiving Spiritual Guidance.  pg. 13

                  Spiritual Directors International, What is Spiritual Direction? Reflections from Different Spiritual Traditions.

                 Suzanne Noffke, OP., The Letters of Catherine of Siena, Vol.1. pg. 301

                Guilliana Cavallini, OP., Catherine of Siena. pg. 1