Catherine of Siena

About the Book

Catherine of Siena was in her own time and place reputed to be a genuinely holy woman. Precisely because of this her voice was heard where few women's voices would have gained an audience in the fourteenth century. Because she was also the first woman to write and be published in any of the emerging Italian dialects, she provides an early feminine perspective on and interpretation of the events, culture, and spirituality of her era-like ours an era of crisis and transition for church and society. This is the woman whose vision and voice this book evokes in view of feeding our own twentieth-century insight and speaking. The essays in Part One study various aspects of Catherine's vision in her theology and spirituality. Part Two offers resources for further exploration of Catherine's person and thought, of her world, and of what others have written of her in English, including an extensive annotated bibliography of works in English up to the date of the original publication of this book in 1996.

About the Author

Suzanne Noffke, Dominican of Racine, Wisconsin, has published annotated translations of Catherine?s Dialogue, her Prayers, and three of four projected volumes of her Letters, as well as numerous articles. She also lectures widely and conducts retreats based on Catherine?s life and thought.