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"This one is a wise virgin, and one from the number of the prudent." —Introit for the Mass of a Virgin not a MartyressThe life of Saint Catherine of Siena makes one forget for a moment that the other saints are saints; for her life is of such astoundingly glorious sanctity that even the great saints seem to pale in comparison to her magnificence. Truly one of the wise virgins, she was born to a merchant family in Siena in 1347 on the Feast of the Annunciation and dedicated her virginity to God at the age of 7, at which time she had also had a vision of Christ in majesty crowned like the pope. This latter element would influence her intense devotion to the papacy; indeed, it was perhaps largely by her efforts that the Barque of Peter persevered through tumultuous and difficult times. In her difficult teenage years, her desired path forward in steadfast religious devotion and stringent fasting was opposed by her family. Her solution was advice she later gave her confessor: "Build a cell inside your mind, from which you can never flee." Eventually, she joined a group of devout laywomen. At 21, she experienced a mystical marriage with Christ, and soon received the stigmata as well—though out of her humility, she prayed it be kept invisible; it was.She labored in the Italian political turmoil of the 14th century, attempting to negotiate peace between Florence, Siena, and the Papal States. At a time when it seemed all things temporal and spiritual were under great distress, Catherine made it her goal to save the papacy from crumbling; to this end, she induced Pope Gregory XI to return from Avignon to Rome, thus ending the Avignon captivity. After miraculously learning to write and founding a monastery, she engaged in the writing of extraordinary tracts, the seraphic wisdom and mystical doctrines of which made her centuries later declared a Doctor of the Church. One last time, however, she was summoned to Rome to defend the papacy when the Great Western Schism broke out in 1378; it seems that her blessed soul was the only thing supporting the Chair of Peter in this devastating period. And after all that, she died in 1380, worn down by her enormous stringencies—only 33 years old.In this captivating and substantial biography, meet the saint who saved the papacy and married Christ, who bore His wounds and did not eat except His Sacred Flesh. In short, meet the saint among saints, surely a wise virgin.

Saint Catherine of Siena

Fr. Edward finishes reading volume 3 and comments on what we have read in volume 3. &nbsp;

Day 273: Volume 3, Book 6, Chapter 29, Paragraphs 810-820

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 7 of book and then comments on ecclesia typica Mariology and the baptism institute by Christ. &nbsp;

Year 3, Day 290: Volume 4, Book 7, Chapter 7, Paragraphs 96-104

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 2 of book 4 and then comments on the plans of Joseph and Mary&#39;s advice for us.

Year 2, Day 139: Volume 2, Book 4, Chapter 2, Paragraphs 393-396

Calling all Catholic women! Does your religious reading and pious practice not always ;translate; into how you interact with and love each other? Are you not always aware or convinced of Gods love for you? Does happiness seem to elude you in certain circumstances of your life? Fear not! Noted author Rose Sweet is here to help in a new series of books with practical steps and tips to help the reader first remember Gods tender love for her and then to love neighbor . . . so that the ups and downs of life and relationships will not diminish her joy. The Catholic Womans Guide series integrates classic Catholic theology (Theology of the Body and teachings on contemplative prayer) with Sweets unique brand of storytelling and humor and will help you to find and hold on to authentic happiness in every area of your life.In this first volume, The Catholic Womens Guide to Happiness, Sweet takes you into the ;Interior Life; to explore the attitudes, fears, and deepest desires that may keep you from greater joy. Topics include:Identifying what gives you the most pleasure, peace, contentment, and satisfactionRecognizing when you may be hanging on too tightly to something you own, a power you possess, or even a person you loveRooting out the specific fears that rob you of happinessHearing what the saints and mystics have said about happinessSeeing hidden windows and doors that open to the deepest joysReordering your natural desires rather than repressing or rejecting themSweet points to the goodness and love of God as the true Source of all happiness and how to reconcile your longings with His special love for you.The adventure awaits! Accompany Rose on this journey to true happiness in Christ!

A Catholic Woman's Guide to Happiness

Fr. Edward Looney reads the final reading of the Mystical City of God from book 8, chapter 23, and then reflects on the project as it reaches completion. &nbsp;

Day 365: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 23, Paragraphs 786-791

A Portuguese victim soul; crippled jumping from a window to escape a rapist; she suffered the Passion of Christ on Fridays; spoke with Our Lord; and ate nothing save Communion her last 13 years. D. 1955. Fascinating 120 pgs 29 photos; PB