Saint Catherine of Siena

by F.A. Forbes

Here is a popular biography for young and old of one of the most extraordinary Saints in the history of the Church, whose life is filled with surprises. She cut her hair to discourage suitors, had visitations from Our Lord and Our Lady, soon lived on the Eucharist alone, convinced the Pope to return to Rome, converted thousands of people by her holiness and example, was instrumental in electing a new Pope, and received and wrote down the famous Dialogues from God the Father.

Genres: Biography, Religion, Catholic

103 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1913

About the author

F. A. Forbes (16 March 1869 – 1936) was the nom de plume of Mother Frances Alice Monica Forbes, RSCJ, a member of the Society of the Sacred Heart from Scotland and a religious author.

She was born in 1869 as Alice Forbes into a Presbyterian family. Her mother died when she was a child. In 1900 she became a Roman Catholic. Only a few months later, she entered the Society of the Sacred Heart, as a 31-year-old postulant.

She wrote numerous books, including brief biographies of Saint Ignatius Loyola, Saint John Bosco, Saint Teresa of Ávila, Saint Columba, Saint Monica, Saint Athanasius, Saint Catherine of Siena, Saint Benedict, Saint Hugh of Lincoln, Saint Vincent de Paul, and, most famously, Pope Saint Pius X. She died in 1936.

Reviews

[Leslie Moellering · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short overview of the life of St Catherine. It will give you a good introduction to the thirty-three-year life of this woman who had such an impact on so many in her day.

[Nick Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another one where I’m sure there’s much more reading I need to look into. Called the Pope a little baby and to man up once that’s awesome

[Cate · Rating 3 out of 5]

This woman had some SERIOUS clout. She lived in the late 1300s and yet all the big players seemed to beg her to help them settle their major disputes. She even told the Pope to man up! And he took it. Then when Urban was elected she was asked to be an ambassador time and again during the Schism. Hooray for strong chicas!

[Emily Byrd Starr · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good introduction to the life of St. Catherine of Siena. Rather short, but it served its purpose in helping me get to know this saint a little better. I hope to pick up one of the larger biographies of her eventually. Definitely would recommend!

[Amanda Souza · Rating 4 out of 5]

lovely, beautiful story

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Catherine exhibited such a gentle demeanor that caused those who met her skeptically to fall back in repentance. What a beautiful gift; her mere presence brought others to reconcile their hearts toward God. She was firm in what she knew to be true and listened intently to the voice of the Lord. The way in which the Lord speaks to her is with such clarity and love; she received the words of the Lord with utmost confidence. I am in awe of her selflessness and the disciples who followed her closer to the Lord.

[Maxine · Rating 3 out of 5]

St. Catherine led such an amazing life, but the writing was so dry.

[Roar · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was in Siena not long ago, and thought it would be worthwile to read this book. The style is partly booring and partly cute, like a sunday school story, but probably not meant for children. The idea of "mortification of the flesh" present in the book is hard to appreciate, but the person's life and devotion to God is sometimes inspiring.

[Aubriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a good book i guess