St. Catherine de Ricci
Dominican Mystic and Visionary
Saint Facts
- Origin:
- Italy
- Gender:
- Female
- Vocation:
- Nun
- Birth:
- 1522
- Feast Day:
- Feb 13
- Death:
- 1589
Saint Details
St. Catherine de Ricci was born in Florence, Italy, on April 23, 1522, into a noble family. She entered the Dominican convent of San Vincenzio in Prato at the age of fourteen, where she later became the mistress of novices and sub-prioress before being elected prioress for life at thirty. Her leadership and spiritual wisdom earned her great respect within her community and beyond.
Catherine de Ricci was renowned for her profound mystical experiences, including weekly ecstasies from Thursday noon to Friday afternoon, during which she relived Christ's Passion and received the stigmata. Her devotion to the crucifix and her mystical visions made her a celebrated figure in her time. She maintained correspondence with influential figures, including three future popes: Pope Marcellus II, Pope Clement VIII, and Pope Leo XI.
Catherine de Ricci's legacy extends beyond her mystical life. She was a practical leader who governed her convent wisely, fostering a contemplative environment focused on prayer and spiritual growth. Her feast day is celebrated on February 13, and she was canonized in 1746. Her life and writings continue to inspire contemplative prayer and spiritual direction, making her a significant figure in the Dominican tradition and Catholic mysticism.
Associated Holy Sites
Santi Vicenzo e Caterina de' Ricci, Prato
Via S. Vincenzo, 9, 59100 Prato PO, Italy
Santa Maria delle Carceri, Prato
Piazza Santa Maria delle Carceri, 21, 59100 Prato PO, Italy
Details for: Santi Vicenzo e Caterina de' Ricci, Prato
Santi Vicenzo e Caterina de Ricci is a church located in Prato, Italy, dedicated to Saint Catherine de Ricci, a 16th-century Dominican mystic and saint known for her deep spiritual life and devotion. The church serves as a significant pilgrimage site for those seeking inspiration from her life of prayer, humility, and service. Saint Catherine de Ricci is particularly revered for her mystical experiences, including visions of Christ and her ability to bear the stigmata. Pilgrims visit the church to honor her legacy and to reflect on her teachings of faith and compassion. The site also holds historical importance as it is connected to the Dominican order and the broader spiritual heritage of Prato. Its serene atmosphere and religious significance make it a meaningful destination for those seeking spiritual renewal and connection to the life of this remarkable saint.
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