SAINT CATHERINE OF SIENA
Virgin

DOUBLE / WHITE
Catherine of Siena (1347-80), the daughter of an Italian tradesman, made a vow of virginity, and thereafter endured patiently the reproaches of her disappointed parents. When she was 15, she joined the lay Third Order of St. Dominic, and became one of the Church's greatest mystics and apostles of charity. Inspired by the Holy Ghost, Catherine persuaded Pope Gregory XI to return to Rome from residence in Avignon and strove zealously to prevent a threatening schism within the Church. As she lay dying, at the age of 33, she recommended particularly to her grieving disciples the striving after Christlike charity. Her mystical Dialogues are widely read and quoted today.

Mass of a VIRGIN, except

COLLECT
Almighty God, we celebrate today the birthday of Your blessed virgin Catherine. May her feast fill us with joy and may we profit by the example of her great faith. Through Our Lord . . .

SECRET
O Lord, let this saving victim that we offer on the feast of blessed Catherine come before You with our prayers, breathing the fragrance of spotless purity. Through Our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION
O Lord, confer eternal life on us through the Food we have eaten at Your heavenly banquet, from which the blessed virgin Catherine drew support even for her earthly life. Through Our Lord . . .