St. Catherine of Genoa (1447-1510) was born into an aristocratic family in Genoa, Italy. When she was 13 years old, Catherine tried to become a nun, but she was told she was too young. Instead, while she was still a teenager, her brother arranged for her to marry Giuliano Adorno. Her new husband was irresponsible (and terrible at keeping a budget). Catherine’s financial situation got worse and worse because of her husband’s poor decisions.
When she was 26 years old, Catherine was in confession when she had deep religious experience. At that moment, she decided to dedicate her life to the poor and sick. Eventually, Catherine’s outstanding goodness convinced Giuliano to mend his ways. The couple moved into a hospital in Geneva where they worked there side-by-side. After Giuliano died, Catherine herself took over managing the hospital. Her feast day is September 15.
Questions
- Catherine changed her husband’s life because she led by example. How can you be a good example to others?
- In confession, God helped Catherine find her calling, and she began living a very different life than she did as a noblewoman. Have you ever felt God guiding you to try something new?
