St. Catherine of Siena (1347-1380) was the last but one of twenty-four children. In her childhood she chose Jesus for her Spouse (Epistle), subjecting her delicate body to frightful mortifications, her only support during her prolonged fasts was Holy Communion (Postcommunion).
She received from the crucified Lord the stigmata and inspired knowledge concerning the most profound mysteries of religion. It was by her persuasion that Gregory XI left Avignon to return to Rome.
When, like Christ, she had reached her 33rd year, she entered heaven with her divine Spouse to take part in the nuptial banquet (Gospel) in the holy joys of the eternal Passover (Introit, Alleluia).
"Let us offer to God on this day the sacred Host embalmed with the virginal perfume of blessed Catherine" (Secret), so that He may grant us in return life eternal (Postcommunion).
[St. Catherine of Siena was named Doctor of the Church in 1970 by Paul VI, along with St Teresa of Avila. They are both referred to in hagiography and prayer as "seraphic virgin."]
Dilexisti justitiam, et odisti iniquitatem: properea unxit te Deus, Deus tuus, oleo laetitiae prae consortibus tuis. * Eructavit cor meum verbum bonum: dico ego opera mea Regi.
Thou hast loved justice and hated iniquity: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. * My heart hath uttered a good word: I speak my works to the King.
(Psalm 44:8,2 from the Introit of Mass)
Da, quaesumus, omnipotens Deus: ut, qui beatae Catharinae Virginis tuae natalitia colimus; et annua solemnitate laetemur, et tantae virtutis proficiamus exemplo.Grant, we beseech Thee, O almighty God, that commemorating the heavenly birthday of blessed Catherine, Thy virgin, we may both rejoice on her yearly festival and benefit by the example of so great a virtue.
(Collect)
From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03447a.htm
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