By Aaron Villegas Catherine was born in Bologna, Italy on September 8, 1413, named “Catherine de Virgri”
She was born into an aristocratic family and a diplomat under the Marquis de Ferrara. She was educated in the fine arts and she was able to read and write due to being raised at the court of the Duke of Ferrara. But she excelled in painting, Latin, and playing an instrument called the viola. She helped and accompanied the daughter of the duke. When the duke’s daughter got married, she asked if Catherine wanted to remain in service to her, but Catherine wanted a religious life. So she left the court in search of the life she wanted. At 13, she joined the convent of Corpus Domini at Ferrara and became a Franciscan Tertiary. She debated if she wanted to join the Franciscan rule or the Augustinian rule. She wanted to live a life of perfection and many of her peers admired her for this. In 1432, Catherine and other women founded a monastery in Ferrara called the Order of Poor Clares which was founded by Sts. Francis and Clare of Assisi. Catherine served many roles in the convent such as a laundress, a baker, and a caretaker for animals! Working with Pope Nicholas V, the convent built an enclosure and Catherine was appointed Superioress which made her responsible for pastoral care and spiritual oversight of the nuns at the convent. In 1456, she returned to Bologna and the governors requested a second monastery of the same Order Catherine served. As stated, Catherine was a really good painter and she continued to do this through her life. One of her paintings is still on display in a Venice gallery. She also wrote many guides and poetry. She wrote the “Treatise on the 7 Spiritual Weapons Necessary for Spiritual Warfare.” She also experienced many visions of Jesus and Satan which she wrote down on the book mentioned. One example is that she saw Mary holding baby Jesus in her hands. She died during the Lenten season of 1463. However, she was buried without a coffin and her body was dug out only 2 weeks after as a sweet smell was coming from her grave. Her body was incorrupt. Meaning that her body didn’t decay. She is displayed at the chapel of the Poor Clares in Bologna. Unfortunately, her skin has turned black due to exposure from oil lamps and soot. Her feast day is celebrated on March 9 and she is the patron saint of artists, liberal arts, against temptations, and of Bologna. St. Catherine of Bologna, Pray for us!
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