St Catherine, Action Springing from Holiness – Apr 29 – Homily – Fr John Lawrence

 

Fr John Lawrence gave the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Apr 29, 2024, where he highlighted Saint Catherine of Siena’s deep faith and influential actions, emphasizing her commitment to the Church and community through spiritual dedication and miraculous deeds.

Father began his homily by recalling an incident from the readings in the Acts of the Apostles where Paul and Barnabas were mistaken for gods in Lycaonia. Their initial confusion due to the local dialect and their vehement rejection of idolatry were highlighted.

The main focus of the homily, however, was on Saint Catherine of Siena. Her profound spiritual experiences and contributions to the Church align with the teachings on the communion of saints and veneration of holy persons. Her early visions, vow of virginity, and eventual acceptance into the Mantillate marked her dedication and sanctity.

Her extensive charity work showcases the virtue of perseverance in faith. Her miracles, like the endless supply of wine from her cask, demonstrate God's providence.

He also gave an account of St. Catherine's mystical marriage to Christ and her reception of the stigmata. Her political and ecclesiastical interventions, particularly her role in convincing the Pope to return to Rome from Avignon, emphasize the importance of righteous action and divine inspiration in governance and Church leadership.

Father concluded with reflections on Catherine's teachings and writings, particularly her dialogues which depict Christ as a bridge between humanity and divinity. This encourages a closer relationship with God through love and union.

Further reading and resources to deepen understanding of the discussed themes include:

CCC 946 - Communion of Saints: http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/946.htm
CCC 1816 - Perseverance in Faith: http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1816.htm
CCC 1335 - Christ’s Miracles and Divine Providence: http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1335.htm
CCC 828 - "Saints' miraculous experiences as signs of holiness" - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/828.htm
CCC 1915 - "Participation in societal and ecclesiastical governance guided by divine will" - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1915.htm
CCC 790 - "Union with Christ as becoming one in Him" - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/790.htm

00:00 - Introduction to Paul and Barnabas' Surprise
00:47 - Overview of Saint Catherine of Siena's Early Life
01:40 - Challenges and Acceptance into the Mantillate
02:30 - Mystical Experiences and Public Ministry
03:53 - Saint Catherine's Influence and Miracles
05:00 - Testing Saint Catherine's Divine Connection
06:06 - Efforts to Bring the Pope Back to Rome
07:40 - Saint Catherine's Legacy and Divine Dialogues

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Catherine of Siena - Mem - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=9
Readings: Monday 5th Week of Easter - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/042924.cfm
1st: act 14:5-18
Resp: psa 115:1-4, 15-16
Gsp: joh 14:21-26

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1064&r=1801

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