On Wednesday thousands packed the Paul VI audience hall in the Vatican to hear Pope
Benedict XVI’s lesson on one of the universal Churches best known and loved saints;
Catherine of Siena. Describing her as “courageous, intense and sincere”, the Pope
said this 14th century Doctor of the church was an advisor to princes,
popes and paupers. Listen to the full report by Veronica Scarisbrick :
He said “Catherine’s
spiritual teachings are centred on our union with Christ, the bridge between earth
and heaven. Her own virginal entrustment to Christ the Bridegroom was reflected in
her celebrated visions. Catherine’s life also shows us the importance of the spiritual
maternity exercised by so many women in every age”.
In comments in Italian
he noted that Catherine was born in 1347 in Siena, at a time of great trouble in the
Church and in Europe. At the age of 16, driven by a vision of St. Dominic, she entered
the Dominican Third Order. When fame of her holiness spread, she became spiritual
advisor for a wide category of people, including Pope Gregory XI who at that time
resided in Avignon France and whom she urged vigorously and effectively to return
to Rome.
Catherine said Pope Benedict, worked for "internal reform of the
Church and to encourage peace between states”.
For this reason, John Paul II
declared her patroness of Europe, so that "the old continent will never forget its
Christian roots and so it may continue to draw from the Gospel the core values that
ensure justice and harmony".
Concluding Pope Benedict said : “even today the
Church receives great benefit from the exercise of spiritual motherhood of many women,
who strengthen peoples faith and guide them towards ever greater heights”. “From this
great saint let us learn to grow in holiness, love for the Lord and fidelity to his
body, the Church”.