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The Dialogue of St. Catherine of Siena
The Dialogue of Saint Catherine of Siena is a profound spiritual treatise composed in the 14th century by St. Catherine, a prominent mystic and theologian of the Catholic Church. Written in the form of a dialogue between the soul and God, this work explores deep theological and moral themes, emphasizing the transformative power of divine love and the importance of personal conversion. In this text, St. Catherine articulates her mystical experiences and insights regarding the nature of sin, grace, and the role of the Church. She stresses the necessity of humility, the pursuit of virtue, and the significance of prayer as a means to grow closer to God. The work also addresses the societal issues of her time, advocating for reform within the Church and a return to spiritual integrity.
- GenresReligion
Paperback
Published September 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
December 2, 2023
This edition of the Dialogues of St Catherine of Siena contains Catherine's visions of and conversations with God, as well as a letter from a member of her religious community describing her death. The dialogues are divided into smaller passages, divided by title headings, which make it easier to read the text in multiple sittings. It is not intended to be read in one sitting, but instead with pauses for reflection.
As with many texts of this period, the passages can be quite dense and the sentence structures can be quite elaborate. I don't agree with all the decisions made by the translator in this edition (for example, the translator frequently uses 'science' where 'knowledge' or 'study' might have made more sense in the context of a modern reader). This edition did not contain much in the way of footnotes for additional context, which some readers may find necessary.
As with many texts of this period, the passages can be quite dense and the sentence structures can be quite elaborate. I don't agree with all the decisions made by the translator in this edition (for example, the translator frequently uses 'science' where 'knowledge' or 'study' might have made more sense in the context of a modern reader). This edition did not contain much in the way of footnotes for additional context, which some readers may find necessary.
August 11, 2025
Post Life Influence: St. Catherine, dead for some time before St. Joan of Arc's arrival on this earthly plane, appeared to Joan as an angel (more often she communicated with St Joan as one of her two voices) and gave Joan advice on how to conduct her life. France, which had not won a battle in a hundred years' time, never lost a battle when Joan was in charge of the army of France and Joan's voices and her king supported her efforts.
Interesting facts: St. Catherine never learned to read and write. The ability to read and write was a gift given to her by God. St. Catherine directed the Pope to reside in Rome, and it is due to her influence that Rome is the center for Catholicism today.
Two of the main messages in her book are that we are judged by how we treat our neighbors, and that the greatest work of all is to win souls towards the path of God.
Interesting facts: St. Catherine never learned to read and write. The ability to read and write was a gift given to her by God. St. Catherine directed the Pope to reside in Rome, and it is due to her influence that Rome is the center for Catholicism today.
Two of the main messages in her book are that we are judged by how we treat our neighbors, and that the greatest work of all is to win souls towards the path of God.
July 11, 2024
A hard read in the way that St Catherine suffered, often by choice. Made me feel weak. A great version of an extraordinary woman.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews