The Life of St. Catherine of Siena: The Classic on Her Life and Accomplishments as Recorded by Her Spiritual Director

by Raymond of Capua

This is the classic life of St Catherine by her spiritual director. He tells of her only what he experienced firsthand, or of what he learned firsthand from her mother, her sisters, her family members and friends. An incredible life, told simply and straightforwardly, without embellishment and without dodging her many miracles, and miraculous conversions. This book puts you squarely in the presence of one of Holy Mother Church\'s greatest saints. 368 pp PB Impr.

Genres: Biography, Catholic, Religion, Theology, Nonfiction, History, Spirituality

368 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1393

Reviews

[Anna Elissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense. Profound. I can't remember having read any other biographies so I can't really compare... but Blessed Raymond's Life of St. Catherine is truly one of a kind. Raymond himself was a great biographer. I know it must be pretty difficult to write the biography of a special saint and do her justice, but Raymond did it well. Being Catherine's better confessor and one of her most intimate friends and disciples, he really was the most suitable person to write her biography. I gave this book 4 stars out of 5 not because it's bad, but because this book is not what you'd call a light reading. I myself had to stop several times and take a few days break. Some parts are like, so mind-blowing they smack you from all directions and you find yourself gasping for air. Life took longer to read than I expected, but it was worth every second of perseverance.

[Manuel Alfonseca · Rating 3 out of 5]

ENGLISH: This is an atypical biography of a unique saint who is quite far from our current worldview. Perhaps the 3 stars I have given the book are a reflection on the reader, rather than on the work.

There is little on this book about Catherine's public life, except for her diplomatic activities to achieve peace between Florence and the Papacy, in the last part.

There are some apposite quotes, such as the following from part I chapter 11:
“My Lord, where were you when my heart was disturbed by all those temptations?”
“I was in your heart,” said the Lord...
Catherine [said], “but how can I possibly believe that you were in my heart when it was full of ugly, filthy thoughts?”
“Did these thoughts and temptations bring content or sorrow, delight or displeasure to your heart?” asked the Lord.
“The greatest sorrow and displeasure!” answered Catherine.
“Well, then,” said the Lord, “who was it who made you feel this displeasure if not I, who was hidden at the centre of your heart? If I had not been there they would have entered your heart and you would have felt pleasure in them, but my presence there caused them to displease you and when you tried to drive them away because they were upsetting you and you failed to do so, this made you unhappy and you suffered. But I, who was defending your heart from the enemies, was hidden there all the time, and though I permitted you to be attacked I was still there."

ESPAÑOL: Esta es la biografía atípica de una santa única, bastante alejada de nuestra cosmovisión actual. Quizá las 3 estrellas que le he dado al libro se reflejen más sobre el lector que sobre la obra.

No hay mucho en este libro sobre la vida pública de Catalina, a excepción de sus actividades diplomáticas para lograr la paz entre Florencia y el papado, en la última parte.

Hay algunas citas que vienen muy a cuento, como la siguiente del capítulo 11 de la primera parte:
«-¿Señor, dónde estabas tú cuando mi corazón era tan atormentado?
-Yo estaba en el medio de tu corazón -repuso el Señor...
Catalina [replicó]: -¿Cómo puedo creer que estabas en mi corazón cuando este estaba lleno de tan detestables pensamientos?
-¿Te dieron esos pensamientos agrado o dolor?
-Una tristeza y pena excesivas.
-Estuviste apenada y sufriste porque yo estaba oculto dentro de tu corazón. Si yo no hubiese estado allí, esos pensamientos habrían penetrado dentro de tu corazón y te habrían llenado de alegría, pero mi presencia te los hizo insoportables; tuviste la voluntad de rechazarlos porque estaban allí a pesar tuyo y precisamente porque no conseguías rechazarlos se te llenaba el alma de tristeza. Yo obré sobre tu alma y te defendí contra tu enemigo. Yo estaba dentro de ti y permití esos ataques porque podían resultarte útiles para tu salvación. Cuando hubo pasado el tiempo que yo había fijado para la prueba, te envié mi luz y las sombras del infierno se disiparon, porque el demonio no puede resistir la luz. ¿No fui yo quien te hizo comprender que esa prueba era conveniente para que adquirieses la virtud de la fortaleza y que era tu deber sufrirla con paciencia, pues haciéndolo así me darías placer? Porque tú la aceptaste de corazón, te libré al fin de ella con mi presencia.

[Fiza Pathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was fascinating to read about the life of Saint Catherine of Siena. She was indeed a very remarkable & very unconventional young religious of her time, I don't even think it would be wrong to term her as a Catholic Feminist icon of the Age of Faith. This book titled 'The Life of Saint Catherine of Siena' penned meticulously by her spiritual director makes the reader aware of the many struggles Catherine had to undergo to become the woman of God she wished to. Her devotion to her bridegroom Lord Jesus Christ is very revealing of the way she understood her faith & how she wished to grow in deeper union with the Divine. Saint Catherine was a woman of patience, perseverance & prayer, she devoted her life in a unique way to the Catholic Church to such an extent that she had to suffer a lot in the bargain. Her spiritual director is candid to a certain extent about the thoughts & revelations of Saint Catherine which can prove to be a rich resource to begin the study of the life & times of this very motivated Doctor of the Church. The book reveals the association between Saint Catherine & the people she engaged with, but especially tells the facts of her Saintly life lived in total surrender of her ego, self & will to the Almighty. This book thus can be a very good reflection on consecrated life especially for young religious women, especially those who don't like to follow the normal status quo of society. From the moment Saint Catherine saw her first vision of Christ to her last breath on this earth, she knew she had to break conventions to be the dedicated sister of the Dominican Sisters of Penance which she aspired to be. The author reveals her struggles with her vocation with the members of her family, her integrity of spirit & the many miracles which took place in Siena, Avignon & Rome during her stay on this earth. The book is inspiring & at times very painful to read & it really gels well with those contemplating on their religious vocation in the Catholic Church as well as those historians who wish to know about the life of this extraordinary Saint. In many ways from her not being a recluse towards the latter part of her life, to her many penances as well as to her taking a major part in workings of Rome & the Office of the Roman Pontiff highlights the way she redefined what it meant to be a Catholic young woman. Feminism & integrity of character defines this book right from Catherine's life as a cloistered recluse to her political actions conducted in Rome especially helping Pontiffs like Gregory XI & Urban VI. It was unthinkable for her woman of her time to go about in the manner she did, but she still did so for the sake of unity in the Catholic Church & for the sake of the laity. The woeful tale of Catherine's trials, self scourging, severe fasting, self inflicting torture et al can be a little to difficult to read & can be uncomfortable, but we must not forget that her actions are nothing but what most religious did not only during her time but also during the time of the Church Fathers & Mothers of the Desert. The many miracles she is famed for is mentioned in the text including the sorrowful tale of her uncomfortable situation with the breast cancer patient Andrea. The book is a faithful tale of Catherine's many adventures, ecstasies & theological thoughts of various aspects of the Catholic faith. The book is appropriate for only mature & discerning readers as well as those of the Faithful. It is a must read for all Saint Catherine followers. Only the editing of this edition of this book could have been done a bit better for even better reading. Otherwise, it is an interesting book about a very unusual Saint of strong mettle. Some of my favorite parts are the tale of Andrea the cancer patient, her association with her mother Lapa, her visit to the Hot Baths & the time she repeatedly fell off a donkey who seemed to be possessed by the devil ! Blessed Raymond of Capua's book on the life of Saint Catherine gets 5 stars from me.

[Jonathan Wilbur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Radical Saint. The Devil worked nonstop in order to deprive her of continual prayer, her mortifications of her body and concern for the needs of her neighbor. Even in light of this St. Catherine lived a live of perfect submission to the divine will with an incredible saintly patience. Lessons learned, obey your superiors and get holy friends.

[Brendan Koop · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel so much closer to St. Catherine of Siena after reading this book; she is truly one of the most spiritually profound human beings to have ever walked this earth. What is great about this account of her life is that it's written by one of her longtime spiritual directors, Blessed Raymond (a man with intimate knowledge of her spiritual life), and the way he writes is remarkable. I don't know if it's the English translation or just his style, but he is incredibly readable (consider he's writing in the 14th century). Parts of this read more like a novel or great story, and it's so easy to get a picture of St. Catherine and her amazing, virtually unmatched spiritual gifts. She's right up there with the greatest saints in all the Church, and praise God that he creates such witnesses to perfection as examples for us. There's a reason everyone, including Blessed Raymond, called her "Mother," because she was the fount of spiritual life for every person around her. And her capabilities in spiritual warfare for the salvation of souls... Wow! You want this woman on your side, even more so now that she is in Heaven.

[Audra · Rating 4 out of 5]

"You, eternal Trinity, are a deep sea, in which the more I seek, the more I find, and the more I find, the more I seek for you. You satisfy insatiably; for you satisfy the soul in the abyss of yourself, in such a way that the soul always remains hungry; and hungering for you, O Eternal Trinity, the soul longs to see you in the light of your lights. As the heart longs for the fountain of living water, so my soul longs to be freed from this body of darkness and to see you in Truth as you are.

St Catherine of Sienna is absolutely wild in such a beautiful way. The way that she radically loves and devotes herself to her Heavenly Bridegroom has challenged my heart. This book reminded me of what it truly means to be a fool for Christ and to believe in the miracles that He pours out on His people.

[Carm Mirenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The life of Catherine of Siena was marked by a joyful, virtuous, and unconquerable faith in the Lord. While she was often in constant pain, suffering, and torment from the evil one, her eyes remained fixed on her Bridegroom and her heart ever full of love for Him. Not even the forces of Hell could dispel from her heart and mind the indescribable joy that comes from God alone.

Catherine was a vessel for the Lord in every meaning of the word. Her ability to accept what He bestowed upon her, whether it be sufferings or joy, and pour out the love and knowledge she received from our Savior shows the depth of her ever-increasing intimacy with Him. Through her constant devotion, adoration, and complete and utter willingness to carry out His holy will, Catherine was undeniably and wholly in love with Christ with every shred of her being.

Throughout her life of religious service, Catherine did not just carry out her vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience to the upmost degree, but she delighted in them. Her never-ending capacity for charity and boundless desire for the salvation of souls, even those who did her harm, was inexplicably evident in the love that she gave to all whom she encountered.

May her life serve as an example for us of the intimacy that God truly desires with all of us, and the joy that comes from endurance of suffering and true joy and love of Him.

[Patrick Broussard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Umm, she's amazing! Great introduction to St. Catherine. It will definitely leave you wanting to read more about/by her.

[Christine Calabrese · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Life of St. Catherine Of Siena by Blessed Raymond of Capua.

he book is written like a letter. I think it may have been a letter to those who did not understand St. Catherine or mocked her; it’s not written as a novel, just a letter. Once I got over my expectation that this was a literary novel, I truly enjoyed the book and came to appreciate the author.

She was born the 19th child in her family and a twin. Her twin died in infancy. They were born on Annunciation Day, 1347, and these birthdays are significant.

I bought this book to continue to increase my “friendship with the Saints.” I learn about the Saints and then ask for their prayers; with knowledge of their lives, challenges, and unique contributions to the Holy Mother Church, I find I feel closer to them and am able to address them as friends. And there they are in the Church-Victorious, waiting to be beckoned if only we knew how important this friendship must be to Our Lord. He sends them as messengers, as examples, and his closest allies to give us lights in this dark world, to show us what His Cross requires, and we, their little clients, work to follow along their well-beaten path.

This Catherine, this incredible Catherine, was claimed by Our Lord at age 7 when she saw Him, and that was the beginning of her journey. A journey of persecution endured courageously even as a child, a journey of illnesses and lack of food and sleep, and a journey again of self-denial. Yet, given the graces to endure, the charity to combat the persecutions, and the faith to endure the deprivations. The author of this book is her confessor, and he’s also a great example.

Catherine couldn’t learn to read; they tried teaching her, but she just wasn’t able to learn. But she prayed, and Our Lord gave her the graces to read anything. We see her again, that it’s often not the most talented that Our Lord chooses; it’s the most committed, the most willing to endure His Cross for His Church, that’s the Catholic Church and none other. Make no mistake: all the Saints were Catholics; they believed and often saw the True Presence, the Holy Eucharist, which is Our Lord, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity veiled yet present.

This is our Faith, the actual Faith.

Catherine wanted to be a cloistered nun; she didn’t want to speak to others, but Our Lord called her to do so, and she obeyed; this is self-denial. Our Lord had her speak to the Pope and advise. She was given graces of wisdom beyond her abilities. She experienced ecstasies so often that her close friends and followers expected it.

The book is written as an apology for Catherine. Blessed Raymond of Capua sometimes addresses the unbelievers or scoffers in the book. Each time he addressed them, I thought, “Not me! I believe everything you’re telling me, Father!” But I guess some doubted Catherine in her time.

She calls the Devil “Pickpocket!” and mocks him as he tries to derail her efforts. She laughs at him, I thought that was funny.

St. Catherine is a Doctor of the Church, and she set straight heretics and converted them.

Here’s a link to do more research on St. Catherine of Siena: https://catholicism.org/saint-catheri...

I love this book.

St. Catherine of Siena, ora pro nobis.

[Nicole Fernyc · Rating 4 out of 5]

An incredible story about one of the Church's most legendary saints. Catherine's consistency, patience, love for her neighbours, and love for God are an inspiration to all.

The Life of St. Catherine of Siena is written by Catherine's personal confessor, and as a result it feels personal and real. The English translation is well-done and uses vocabulary the elevates God and His Saint Catherine, but without becoming too verbose.

At times, the writing style is dry and difficult to get through, but when one considers that the text is nearly seven hundred years old, the style actually seems quite modern. Blessed Raymond of Capua's writings on Catherine's life are interspersed with profound revelations about the love God has for all His people and how we can better serve him.

The Life of St. Catherine of Siena is an excellent presentation about one of history's strongest women, and I will be recommending it to many friends.

[Barbara Guilfoyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and loving story of the life of St Catherine of Siena written by her friend and spiritual director, Blessed Raymond of Capua. Easy to read, however, took me a long time because I pondered each chapter. I now have a new love, understanding and appreciation for St Catherine of Siena

[Sabina Colleran · Rating 4 out of 5]

So cool to read about my confirmation saint from someone who knew her well.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best biography on one of the greatest saints ever.

[Sasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic account of the life of St Catherine of Siena. A very inspiring read! I highly recommend.

[Mary Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were many distracting typos. The writing style is quite florid. Still, it is a good look into the life of a great saint.

[Kassie R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

St. Catherine of Siena just became one of my favorites!

[Alice]

Catherine of Siena remains one of the most interesting extra-religious figures of the Catholic Church. For a woman of the 14th century, who remained outside the institution, to achieve such ecclesiastical importance is incredible.