Saint Catherine of Bologna

Saint Catherine of Bologna (born Sept. 8, 1413, Bologna, Papal States [Italy]—died March 9, 1463, Bologna; canonized 1712; feast day May 9) was an Italian mystic and writer whose spiritual writings were popular in Italy until the end of the 18th century.

Of noble birth, Catherine was educated at the Este court at Ferrara and entered the order in 1432. In 1456 she founded in Bologna a convent of Poor Clares, serving as abbess until her death. Throughout her life Catherine claimed to have visions and revelations. Her chief work is considered to be Le sette armi necessarie alla battaglia spirituale (composed in 1438; Eng. trans. by A.G. McDougall, The Spiritual Armour, 1926).