Setting the World on Fire: The Brief, Astonishing Life of St. Catherine of Siena

Setting the World on Fire: The Brief, Astonishing Life of St. Catherine of Siena
ISBN-10
113727980X
ISBN-13
9781137279804
Series
Setting the World on Fire
Category
Biography & Autobiography
Pages
258
Language
English
Published
2016-04-05
Publisher
Macmillan
Author
Shelley Emling

Description

One of only two patron saints of Italy, the other being St. Francis of Assisi, St. Catherine was a political powerhouse in late 14th century Europe, a time of war, social unrest and one of the worst natural disasters of all time - the plague. She worked for peace between Christians while campaigning for a holy crusade against Muslims. Though illiterate, she grew into a great writer. Though frail, she often starving herself. She offered moral guidance and inspiration to kings, queens and popes.It's easy to see why feminists have sought to claim her patronage. From her refusal to marry to her assertion that her physical appearance was of no importance, the famous Saint is ripe for modern interpretation. How did this girl, the second-youngest of 25 children of a middle-class dyer, grow to become one of the most beloved spiritual figures of all time-a theological giant to rank alongside the likes of Thomas Aquinas? Recalling her example recently, Pope Francis encouraged the young to "learn from her how to live with the clear conscience of those who do not bend to human compromises." In Setting the World on Fire, Emling offers a fascinating portrait of this powerful, charismatic woman.

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