Our patron Saint was born Catherine Benincasa in Siena in 1347. She was one of the most remarkable figure of the 14th Century, and had an influence far beyond her holiness of life. At an early age she joined the Third Order of Saint Dominic in which she gained a reputation for great sanctity. Recognizing her holiness and wisdom many followed her leadership in her devotion to the poor. She labored incessantly and with fiery zeal for the unity of the Church and was a devoted champion of the papacy. In 1375 while visiting Pisa, Catharine received the stigmata. She died in 1380, at the age of 33, after a remarkable life, leaving a legacy of outstanding spiritual treatises. Saint Catharine was canonized in 1461 and on October 4, 1970 Pope John Paul VI proclaimed her a Doctor of the Church: her feast occurs on April 29th.