Catherine embodied the Dominican ideal of embracing the
Truth with a passionate love. A Truth that is not only to be
understood and accepted, but to be guarded and defended
at all costs. She clearly saw the Catholic Church as the
mystical Body of Christ on the earth. It is evident that
Catherine was driven to employ every possible means to
restore peace in the Church. Catherine suffered constantly
due to her own austerities, to her stigmata, and because of
the state of the Church. After the death of Gregory XI in
1378 and the election of Urban VI to replace him, the
“Great Schism” ensued when dissident French cardinals
tried to elect their own pope. This schism tore at the heart
and soul of the fourteenth-century Church, and Catherine’s
heart and soul were spiritually torn as well. Christendom
was divided, and Catherine wore herself out trying to bring
about reconciliation and unity.
Many a letter was
dispatched to the prelates, princes, and leaders of Europe,
including Urban VI, warning him to control his harsh and
arrogant temper.
Urban accepted her advice and
summoned Catherine to Rome so that he might profit by
her prayers and counsel. The respect and admiration she
had achieved in the eyes of many church and secular
leaders is nothing short of remarkable for a woman of her
time. On many occasions – at Siena, Avignon, Rome, and
other European cities – learned theologians and scholars
had questioned her and been humbled by the wisdom of
her replies.
Continued from bulletin dated April 6, 2008
From: Sermon in a Sentence
A Treasury of Quotations on the Spiritual Life
Volume 3 – St. Catherine of Siena