Saint Catherine of Siena was a 14th century Italian mystic, theologian, and member of the Dominican Order. She was born in Siena, Italy in 1347 and was the 25th child in her family. She started having mystical experiences at a young age and dedicated her life to God.
At the age of 16, Catherine joined the Third Order of the Dominicans and began to have visions of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. She also became known for her charitable works, caring for the sick and the poor.
Catherine is best known for her efforts to bring about reform in the Catholic Church. She wrote letters to popes and other church leaders, urging them to end the corruption and political intrigue that plagued the Church at the time. She also played a key role in convincing Pope Gregory XI to return the papacy to Rome from Avignon, France.
Catherine died in Rome in 1380 at the age of 33. She was canonized by Pope Pius II in 1461, and her feast day is celebrated on April 29th. Catherine is also one of only four women to be named a Doctor of the Church, a title given to those whose teachings have greatly influenced Catholic theology and doctrine.