Discover St. Catherine of Siena in Rome and Siena

From the lush hillside of Siena to the black-cobblestoned streets of Rome, consider walking in the footsteps of the Dominican mystic, St. Catherine of Siena, whose testimony reminds us that the Lord works miracles in the hidden. If you cannot make it all the way to Siena, there are some worthwhile stops in Rome including the resting place of St. Catherine’s body.

SIENA

Basilica Cateriniana di San Domenico

The incorrupt head of St. Catherine of Siena is preserved in the chapel of St. Catherine located within the Basilica of St. Dominic. Take time to contemplate the life of St. Catherine through the frescoes depicting her life. Remember, St. Catherine was initially illiterate so it is a fitting testimony that artists shared her life with others through striking visuals so those who were not educated could know her.

The Shrine of the House of St. Catherine

Every part of St. Catherine’s family home was transformed into a place of worship because she offered every ordinary moment back to God. She never ceased her dialogue with Christ in the inner room of her heart.

· Oratory of the Kitchen

You can view the remains of the fireplace into which St. Catherine fell during one of her visions, but she was miraculously unharmed.

· Oratory of the Bedroom

The ordinary room of the most extraordinary encounters. From her earliest age, she sought conversation with Christ in this room. This is the setting for many of her conversations with Christ (compiled in The Dialogue of St. Catherine of Siena).

· Church of the Crucifix

Here you can pray before the same wooden crucifix St. Catherine prayed before when she received the stigmata. A piece of her shoulder blade is kept in the high altar of the Oratory reflecting how she carried each cross Christ permitted in her life.

ROME

Basilica di Santa Maria sopra Minerva

The Basilica of Saint Mary of Minerva is the final resting place of St. Catherine’s body. The stunning Dominican basilica draws you up to contemplate heaven which calls pilgrims to ponder the mystical visions of St. Catherine. Pilgrims are invited to venerate and pray before the body of St. Catherine on the main altar.

St. Catherine of Siena Sculpture

There is a stunning monument crafted by Francesco Messina dedicated to St. Catherine of Siena near the gardens of Castel Sant’Angelo. Behind the statue of St. Catherine, you will discover the marble reliefs that reflect key moments of her mission and vocation. Here you can recall her boldness in convicting Pope Gregory XI to leave Avignon, France and bring the papacy back to Rome as well as advising Pope Urban VI years later. St. Catherine always spoke with compassion and humility in all her encounters with the poor, the Magisterium, and all who were suffering.

Santa Caterina da Siena a Magnanapoli

The Church of St. Catherine of Siena will take your breath away with its ornate Baroque designs. It is dedicated to various Dominican saints, including St. Rose of Lima and St. Agnes of Montepulciano. One of the beloved masterpieces within this church is the high relief of The Glory of St. Catherine behind the high altar.

Whether you explore one or all of these shrines, know that St. Catherine is interceding for you even now as you plan your pilgrimage!