2010-11-24 14:15:42

Loving the Church Catherine’s way


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 : RealAudioMP3

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”.








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