The Basics: Born April 23, 1522, in Italy; died February 1, 1590, in Italy; canonized June 29, 1746, by Benedict IV; feast day, February 13. Woman religious and mystic. The Story: At first, they didn’t believe her. Even as a Dominican novice, Catherine experienced ecstasies that led her community to question just what was happening. Catherine withstood the tests… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: St. Catherine de’ Ricci
Category: Saints
Wednesday’s Woman: St. Jeanne de Valois
The Basics: Born April 23, 1464, in France; died February 4, 1505 in France; canonized May 28, 1950, by Pius XII; feast day, February 4. Queen, woman religious. The Story: Jeanne was just twelve when her father, King Louis XI of France, arranged her marriage to the Duke of Orleans, a distant cousin. But after the couple had been… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: St. Jeanne de Valois
Wednesday’s Woman: St. Bathild
The Basics: Birthdate and place unknown; died 680 in France; canonized in the ninth century by Nicholas I; feast day, January 30. Queen, slave, philanthropist. The Story: Bathild (also known as Balthilde and other spellings) came to the attention of King Clovis II when she was a slave in a friend’s palace. Bathild’s intelligence and other virtues… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: St. Bathild
Returning Catholics FAQs: About Women and the Church
On Mondays, I answer questions frequently asked by those considering a return to the Catholic Church. How do I know this stuff? I was away for more than 30 years myself, and am the co-author of When They Come Home: Ways to Welcome Returning Catholics, a book for pastors and parish leaders interested in this… Continue reading Returning Catholics FAQs: About Women and the Church