Today, April 29thwe celebrate Saint Catherine of Siena, Patroness of Italy and Patroness of Europe.
Caterina di Jacopo di Benincasa, known as Caterina da Siena (Siena, 25 March 1347 – Rome, 29 April 1380), was a Italian religious, theologian, philosopher and mystic.
Venerated as a saint, she was canonized by Pope Pius II in 1461; in 1970 she was declared doctor of the Church by Pope Paul VI.
She is patron saint of Rome in 1866 by Pope Pius IX, patroness of Italy together with Saint Francis of Assisi by Pope Pius XII and co-patron of Europe by Pope John Paul II.
According to tradition, during the last days of her life there were continuous visits from her spiritual children and to each of them, after common recommendations, she communicated what they should do later in life.
On the morning of the Sunday after the Ascension, April 29, 1380, before dawn, a great change was noticed in her, which suggested that her last hour was approaching.
Her breathing became so faint that it was decided to give her the Anointing of the Sick.
During his last hours he called several times:
“Blood! Blood!”.
And finally he said:
“Father, into your hands I commend my soul and spirit.”
He expired that Sunday April 29, 1380, just before noon.
Best wishes to those who bear his name.
