Episode 1864: St Catherine de Ricci

St. Catherine de' Ricci, born Alessandra Lucrezia Romola de' Ricci, was an Italian nun, mystic, and saint of the Catholic Church. She was born on April 23, 1522, in Florence, Italy, into a noble family. Her family was deeply religious, and from an early age, Catherine showed a strong inclination towards spirituality.

At the age of thirteen, Catherine entered the Dominican convent of San Vincenzo in Prato, Italy. She took the name Catherine upon entering the convent. Catherine was known for her piety, humility, and devotion to prayer and fasting. She was also noted for her profound experiences of mystical union with God.

Catherine de' Ricci's life was marked by intense spiritual experiences, including visions of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and various saints. She reported experiencing the stigmata, the wounds of Christ, in a mystical phenomenon known as the "invisible stigmata." These experiences of mystical union deepened her commitment to the religious life and her dedication to serving others.

Despite her desire for a life of solitude and prayer, Catherine was called upon to take on leadership roles within her convent. In 1546, she was elected prioress of the convent of San Vincenzo. She served in this role with humility and wisdom, guiding her fellow sisters in their spiritual lives.

Catherine de' Ricci's reputation for holiness spread beyond the walls of her convent, and many sought her counsel and spiritual guidance. She was known for her gifts of prophecy and discernment, and she often provided comfort and direction to those who sought her out.

Throughout her life, Catherine remained devoted to the Catholic Church and its teachings. She was a staunch defender of the faith and worked to promote religious reform and renewal within the Church.

Catherine de' Ricci died on February 2, 1590, at the age of sixty-seven. She was canonized as a saint by Pope Benedict XIV in 1746. St. Catherine de' Ricci is remembered for her profound spirituality, her dedication to prayer and fasting, and her unwavering commitment to serving God and others. She is considered a model of holiness and devotion within the Catholic Church.