Catherine of Siena

St. Catherine of Siena (1347-1380) was a Dominican tertiary and one of the most influential figures of the 14th century Catholic Church. Born in Siena, Italy, she experienced mystical visions from a young age and devoted her life to prayer and service. She played a key role in the return of the Papacy from Avignon to Rome and was a renowned spiritual advisor and diplomat. In 1970, she was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church for her theological writings, and in 1999 she was named a co-patron saint of Europe.