St. Catherine of Siena - The ”Mystical Bride of Christ” and Catholic Reformer

Catherine is extremely devout from a very young age (seeing her first visions as early as 5 years old, and promising herself to Christ by the age of 7), so when her older sister dies in childbirth and her parents start pushing her to marry her sister's widower, Catherine flat out refuses and goes on a hunger strike - a first step in what would become a lifetime of "asceticism".

Her professed visions and "mystical marriage" to Christ, ring and all, propel Catherine to religious stardom fairly quickly and she becomes a leading voice for peace in a fractured Italy, calling for unification and reunion with the Papal State.

Is she successful in her mission for peace? Is she able to makeover the Catholic Church? Were her visions and extreme asceticism symptoms of some greater issue? You'll have to listen to find out!

—

A Broad is a woman who lives by her own rules. Broads You Should Know is the podcast about the Broads who helped shape our world!

3 Ways you can help support the podcast:

1. Write a review on Apple Podcasts
2. Share your favorite episode on social
3. Tell a friend!

—

Broads You Should Know is hosted by Sara Gorsky.

IG: @SaraGorsky

Web master / site design: www.BroadsYouShouldKnow.com

—

Broads You Should Know is produced by Sara Gorsky & edited by Chloe Skye