The Compassionate Catholic Beliefs of Catherine of Siena

A longtime Kansas City entrepreneur, Bradley DiTeresi has a background in real estate. An avid reader, Bradley DiTeresi enjoys the works of leading Catholic thinkers, from St. Francis de Sales to Catherine of Siena.

One of only four women recognized as a doctor of the church, Catherine of Siena lived in the 1300s and was canonized in 1461. Having learned reading with difficulty and only starting to write as an adult, Catherine of Siena is best known for her Dialogue of Divine Providence.

Among her best-known concepts is the idea that love follows knowledge, which suggests that if one’s studies do not lead to an understanding and love for others, the knowledge gained is useless. At the same time, she held to the idea of forgiveness embodied in the saying, “God is more willing to pardon than we have been to sin.” 

Among Catherine of Siena’s noteworthy attributes was the ability to develop sensitivity to others and an ability to be moved. As she saw it, saints’ tears are mingled with Christ’s own blood. Jesus himself was moved to tears in situations such as experiencing Mary and Martha’s grief and looking out on Jerusalem during his final days.