The Life and Doctrine of St. Catherine of Genoa

by Catherine of Genoa

The reading of it will correct the misconceptions of many who honestly fancy that the Catholic Church encourages a mechanical piety, fixes the attention of the soul almost, if not altogether, on outward observances, and inculcates nothing beyond a complete submission to her authority and discipline.

The life of our Saint is an example of the reverse of that picture. It makes clear the truth that the immediate guide of the Christian soul is the Holy Spirit, and that her uncommon fidelity to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit, made this holy woman worthy of being numbered by the Church among that class of her most cherished children, who have attained the highest degree of Divine love which it is possible for human beings to reach upon earth

Genres: Religion

226 pages, Paperback

First published July 14, 2009

About the author

Saint Catherine of Genoa (Caterina Fieschi Adorno, 1447 – 15 September 1510) was an Italian Roman Catholic saint and mystic, admired for her work among the sick and the poor and remembered because of various writings describing both these actions and her mystical experiences. She was a member of the noble Fieschi family, and spent most of her life and her means serving the sick, especially during the plague which ravaged Genoa in 1497 and 1501. She died in that city in 1510.

Her fame outside her native city is connected with the publication in 1551 of the book known in English as the Life and Doctrine of Saint Catherine of Genoa.

She and her teaching were the subject of Baron Friedrich von Hügel's classic work The Mystical Element of Religion (1908).

Reviews

[Elkaza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanting to read a biography of this very astonishing woman, and when I found one on – line, I dropped everything I had planned to do in the afternoon, and read it. Now, I admire this woman even more, as for period she was born in, she used her talents and wisdom, to create a wonderful life, for a woman at that time. Indeed, an incredible woman.

[Jack Barnett · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the first half much better where it flicked back and forth between her writings and the biography. The second half where it's just her writings on various topics was a little slower to get through. I'd have preferred if it all retained the format of the first half.

[Iselin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea.