Blessed Catherine Of Racconigi

Biography

Blessed Catherine of Racconigi, also known as Caterina Mattei, was born in June 1486 in the town of Racconigi, Cuneo, Italy. She was the youngest of six children and the only daughter of Giorgio and Bilia de Ferrari Mattei. Her family lived in poverty, with her father being an unemployed blacksmith and tool maker, and her mother working as a silk spinner and weaver to support the family.

From a young age, Caterina learned the trade of silk spinning and weaving from her mother in order to help sustain their family. However, their household was often filled with chaos and disruption, as her father suffered from depression due to their difficult circumstances.

At the age of nine, Caterina had a profound vision of Jesus, who appeared to her as a boy around her own age. In this vision, Jesus called her to become a bride of Christ and presented her with a wedding ring as a token. Following this experience, Caterina began to have regular divine visions, many of which included encounters with saints such as Saint Catherine of Siena and Saint Peter Martyr.

Miracles soon became associated with Caterina, starting with seemingly simple events like broken dishes being miraculously repaired, and unexpected provision of money and food when her family was in dire need.

Seeking to deepen her spiritual life, Caterina expressed a desire to join the Dominicans. At the age of 23, she began attending a small Dominican convent. However, her family strongly opposed her departure, so they compromised, and Caterina became a Dominican tertiary at the age of 28 while still staying at home. Throughout this period, her visions and mystical experiences continued, and she eventually received the stigmata, although the visible wounds did not appear until after her death.

Unfortunately, her neighbors became fearful of her and the supernatural events occurring in her home, and some even accused her of being a witch. The local Dominican community, concerned about potential scandal, distanced themselves from Caterina. Eventually, she was denounced to the Inquisition and summoned before a bishop's court in Turin, Italy. However, after thorough investigation, all authorities found her innocent of any heresy or wrongdoing.

Despite being declared innocent, the intense scrutiny and accusations took a toll on Caterina's well-being. She reached a point of such despair that she contemplated suicide, but instead found solace in gripping her cross and praying fervently.

While her mystical gifts caused many to shy away from her, others sought her out for counsel and prayer. She particularly had a special ministry of intercession for soldiers in battle. One of her prominent supporters was Prince John Francis Pico of Mirandola, who even wrote a biography about her, which provides much of the information we have about her today.

Due to the ongoing challenges and accusations, Caterina was eventually forced to leave Turin and settle in Caramagna, Italy. There, she lived with two other Dominican tertiaries.

Blessed Catherine of Racconigi died on September 4, 1547, in Caramagna Piemonte, Cuneo, Italy. Her reputation for holiness and the impact of her life led to the establishment of the Blessed Caterina Brotherhood, which continues to this day, carrying out good works and celebrating her memory.

Caterina Mattei was beatified by Pope Pius VII in either 1808 or 1810, although differing records exist regarding the exact year. Although her representation is not provided in the available details, her feast day is celebrated on September 4th.

Blessed Catherine of Racconigi's life serves as an example of resilience in the face of adversity, dedication to her faith, and a profound spiritual connection with God. Her mystical experiences and miracles continue to inspire and captivate the faithful, making her a revered figure in Catholic spirituality.