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| Santa Caterina da Siena, ora pro nobis |
April 30th is the Feast of Santa Caterina da Siena (1347-1380), Virgin, Mystic, Stigmatic, Dominican tertiary, and Doctor of the Church. Invoked against fire, sickness, sexual temptation, and miscarriages, she is also the patron saint of nurses, firefighters and those who are derided for their faith. In 1999, along with St. Gertrude of Sweden and St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (St. Edith Stein), she was proclaimed co-patroness of Europe by St. Pope John Paul II, thus joining St. Benedict of Nursia, and Saints Cyril and Methodius as the continent's special protectors. In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to St. Catherine of Siena for expectant mothers. The accompanying photo was taken at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Franklin Square, Long Island. Evviva Santa Caterina da Siena!
Prayer to St. Catherine of Siena for expectant mothers
Humble virgin and Doctor of the Church, in thirty-three years you achieved great perfection and became the counselor of Popes. You know the temptations of mothers today as well as the dangers that await unborn infants. Intercede for me that I may avoid miscarriage and bring forth a healthy baby who will become a true child of God. Also pray for all mothers, that they may not resort to abortion but help bring a new life into the world. Amen.
