Saint Madeline Sophie Barat

Biography

Saint Catherine of Genoa, also known as the Apostle of Purgatory, was born as Caterina Fieschi Adorno in 1447 in Genoa, Italy. She came from a noble background, being the daughter of Jacopo Fieschi and Francesca di Negro, both Genoese nobles. In fact, she was even related to Popes Innocent V and Adrian V, and her father served as the viceroy of Naples, Italy. As a young girl, Catherine displayed a strong piety and a deep calling for religious life. At the age of 13, she attempted to enter a convent but was turned away due to her youth. However, at the age of 16, she entered into an arranged marriage with a young Genoese nobleman named Giuliano Adorno. Unfortunately, their marriage proved to be difficult and challenging. Giuliano was irresponsible, unsuccessful as a husband and provider, and often treated Catherine with cruelty, violence, and infidelity. Eventually, their financial situation worsened, leading them to bankruptcy. These difficult circumstances took a toll on Catherine's faith, and she fell into a state of depression and indifference towards her religious beliefs. However, in 1473, as Catherine was going to Confession in a convent in Genoa, she experienced a profound vision. This vision revealed to her God's love and her own sinfulness, plunging her into a state of religious ecstasy. The impact of this vision remained with Catherine for the rest of her life. Inspired by her vision, Catherine returned home and gradually led her husband towards the faith. From then onwards, the couple committed to a chaste life together and dedicated themselves to serving the sick and poor. They worked compassionately with those in need until Giuliano's death in 1497. Following Giuliano's passing, Catherine became a Franciscan tertiary. In 1490, she took on the role of a tertiary directress, guiding and supporting others who sought to live a faithful Franciscan life. Catherine faced and survived the plague in 1493. Later, in 1499, she became a spiritual student of Father Cattaneo Marabotti, who assisted her in recording and organizing her visions and the insights she gained from them. These writings eventually became the primary source of her enduring fame. During her canonization inquiry, the Holy Office declared that her writings alone were sufficient evidence of her sanctity. Saint Catherine of Genoa, revered for her profound spirituality and commitment to helping others, died on September 15, 1510, in Genoa, Italy, at the age of 63, due to natural causes. Her beatification took place on April 6, 1675, by Pope Clement X, and she was canonized on June 16, 1737, by Pope Clement XII. Saint Catherine is honored as the patroness against adultery, temptation, difficult marriages, and unfaithfulness. She is also a patron for brides, childless people, people ridiculed for their piety, victims of adultery, victims of unfaithfulness, and widows. Her feast day is celebrated on September 15, though it was previously observed on March 22. Saint Catherine of Genoa is remembered as a remarkable figure in Catholic history whose writings continue to inspire and offer spiritual insights to this day.