![]() ![]() ![]() She was cleared of all charges at the Dominican General Chapter of 1374. ![]() Opposition and slander resulted from her mixing fearlessly with the world and speaking with the candor and authority of one completely committed to Christ. Her letters, mostly for spiritual instruction and encouragement of her followers, began to take more and more note of public affairs. An active public apostolate grew out of her contemplative life. Gradually, a group of followers gathered around her-men and women, priests and religious. She entered the Dominican Third Order at 18 and spent the next three years in seclusion, prayer, and austerity. Her father ordered her to be left in peace, and she was given a room of her own for prayer and meditation. Catherine disappointed her mother by cutting off her hair as a protest against being overly encouraged to improve her appearance in order to attract a husband. She was the 23rd child of Jacopo and Lapa Benincasa and grew up as an intelligent, cheerful, and intensely religious person. What is most impressive about her is that she learns to view her surrender to her Lord as a goal to be reached through time. The value Catherine makes central in her short life and which sounds clearly and consistently through her experience is complete surrender to Christ. ![]() Saint of the Day for April 29 (Ma– April 29, 1380) Image: Painting of Saint Catherine of Siena | Siena Cathedral Choir | photo by Sailko ![]()
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