Siena

Statue of Catherine in Siena

I’ve been to Italy three or four times, and I’ve never made it to Siena. But today’s the day!

Siena is one of Italy’s most famous cities, and to visit there is often the highlight of visitors’ time in Tuscany. For years, I have special interest in the city’s most famous resident, Catherine of Siena (AD 1347–1380), since introduced to her by my late co-author, Bill Cutrer. I cover her life in a course I teach at DTS.

Along with St. Francis of Assissi, Catherine of Siena is a patron saint of Italy. And as preparation for my coursework in Orvieto, I became re-acquainted with her writings. She has penned some lovely prayers, and many of her letters survive, as well. From one I derived special comfort, as I have said goodbye to many friends this year, whether through death or moving away. Catherine noted that it must have been difficult for our Lord and his disciples to split up after the resurrection, after all they had been through together. But they did so for the sake of the gospel.

Our day includes a visit to Catherine’s House and a visit to the Cathedral. We are also scheduled to visit the Church of San Domenico, characterized by the massive architecture and the relic of the Holy Head of Saint Catherine. The most important part of the church is the St. Catherine Chapel.