Saint Catherine of Siena 1347–1380. Feast Day: April 29. Patron of: Italy. Fire Protection. Nurses.
Doctor of the Church.
A Dominican tertiary, Catherine was known for her spiritual writings as well as her willingness to care for those with the most repulsive diseases. She is shown with the crown of thorns because she received the stigmata. The open book is for her writings, many of which she dictated while in a trance. They are still considered to be great literature and studied to this day.
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