A portrait of St. Catherine of Genoa
St. Catherine of Genoa
1447 – 1510
Feast
September 15 · XVI c.
Patron of
Hospitals · Brides · Widows · Purgatory devotion
Order
Widow / Mystic
Italian mystic and laywoman (1447-1510), wife of a profligate husband whom she eventually converted; ran the great hospital of Genoa during plague years, and her Treatise on Purgatory remains a spiritual classic. Feast September 15.
Life & Times
Born: 1447 · Died: 1510 · From: Italy.
Patronage
St. Catherine of Genoa is invoked as the patron of hospitals, brides, widows, purgatory devotion. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“My deepest me is God.”— Spiritual Dialogue (Dialogo Spirituale), recorded by her disciples (late 15th century)
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Catherine of Genoa, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.