The little girl was very, very, very pious

Her parents had made plans for her, plans for a “normal” life, but the little girl could not be swayed.

She had already seen Jesus.

Word of her spiritual experiences spread. When she was still in her twenties, even Popes would pay heed to her and not only for pious inspiration.

Her words would thwart the plans of princes and would stir people of faith to dramatic action for the causes of truth, peace, and the freedom of God’s word.

Catherine, the pious little girl from Siena, died in Rome shortly after her 33rd birthday on this very day in 1380. She was canonized in 1461 and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1970.

(I feel inadequate in attempting to describe the remarkable life and thought of this incredible woman. Others - most especially Lauren at cnytr - do a much better job).