Catherine of Bologna was the daughter of a wealthy, noble family in Italy. She was raised in the court of the Duke of Ferrara where she was taught reading, writing, art, and music. She was a good student and became an accomplished artist, musician and writer. Saint Catherine was especially talented in Latin, playing the viola, and painting.
Saint Catherine felt a call to a religious vocation and entered the convent at the age of 13. Six years later, at the age of 19, Saint Catherine founded a new order of religious sisters known as the Poor Clares.
Even though Saint Catherine started this order, she never hesitated to do the more humble jobs such as baking, laundry, and taking care of the animals. Saint Catherine also continued her painting and writing, creating spiritual art, and writing religious books and poetry for the rest of her life.
Saint Catherine of Bologna is the patron saint of the city of Bologna, Italy. She is also the patron saint of the liberal arts, artists, and a patroness against temptation. Let’s ask Saint Catherine to help us to be humble like she was, to always do our best as she did, and to teach us how to use our talents to give Glory to God.