April 29 is the feast day of Saint Catherine of Siena
April 29 is the feast day of Saint Catherine of Siena, in honor of the Catholic saint, an influential figure in the history of the Catholic Church. Considered a doctor and co-patroness of Italy, since 1866, along with Saint Francis of Assisi, she has been the patron saint of Italy, and since 1999, one of the six official patron saints of Europe, chosen by Pope John Paul II. Catherine, a lay sister of the Third Dominican Order, was born in 1347, in Siena, Italy and dedicated her life to religious devotion. She had visions during her prayers, performed rigorous penances and managed to convert many people during her youth. Later, as an adult, she faced significant challenges, such as resolving a schism in the church and dealing with an epidemic of plague. Catherine also wrote several important religious works, such as the "Dialogue on Divine Providence". He died on April 29, 1380, at the age of 33, after a stroke.
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