April 29 — Saint Catharine of Sienna Virgin. —

The Dominican Order, which, yesterday, presented a rose to our Risen Jesus, now offers him a lily of surpassing beauty. Catharine of Sienna follows Peter the Martyr: — it is a coincidence willed by Providence, to give fresh beauty to this season of grandest Mysteries. ^ Our Divine King deserves everything we can offer him ; and our hearts are never so eager to give him every possible tribute of homage, as during these last days of his sojourn among us. See how Nature is all flower and fragrance at this loveliest of her Seasons ! The spiritual world harmonises with the visible, and now yields her noblest and richest works in honour of our Lord, — the author of Grace.

How grand is the Saint, whose Feast comes gladdening us to-day ! She is one of the most favoured of the holy Spouses of the Incarnate Word. She was his, wholly and unreservedly, almost from her very childhood. Though thus consecrated to him by the vow of holy Virginity, she had a mission given to her by divine Providence which required her living in the world. But God would have her to be one of the glories of the Religious State ; he therefore inspired her to join the Third Order of St. Dominic. Accordingly, she wore the Habit, and fervently practised, during her whole life, the holy exercises of a Tertiary.

From the very commencement, there was a some- thing heavenly about this admirable servant of God, which we fancy existing in an angel who had been 6ent from heaven to live in a human body. Her longing after God gave one an idea of the vehemence wherewith the Blessed embrace the Sovereign Good on their first entrance into heaven. In vain did the body threaten to impede the soaring of this earthly Seraph; she subdued it by penance, and made it obedient to the spirit. Her body seemed to be transformed, so as to have no life of its own, but only that of the soul. The Blessed Sacrament was frequently the only food she took for weeks together. So complete was her union with Christ, that she received the impress of the sacred Stigmata, and, with them, the most excruciating pain.

And yet, in the midst of all these supernatural fevours, Catharine felt the keenest interest in the necessities of others. Her zeal for their spiritual advantage was intense, whilst her compassion for them, in their corporal sufferings, was that of a most loving mother. God had given her the gift ot Miracles, and she was lavish in using it for the benefit of her fellow-creatures. Sickness and death itself, were obedient to her command ; and the prodigies witnessed at the beginning of the Church were again wrought by the humble Saint of Sienna.

Her communings with God began when she was quite a child, and her ecstasies were almost without interruption. She frequently saw our Risen Jesus, who never left her without having honoured her, either with a great consolation, or with a heavy cross. A profound knowledge of the mysteries of our holy faith, was another of the extraordinary graces bestowed upon her. So eminent, indeed, was the heavenly wisdom granted her by God, that she, who had received no education, used to dictate the most sublime writings, wherein she treats of spiritual things with a clearness and eloquence which human genius could never attain to, and with a certain indescribable unction which no reader can resist. . But God would not permit such a treasure as this to lie buried in a little town of Italy. The Saints are the supports of the Church ; and though their influence be generally hidden, yet, at times, it is open and visible, and men then learn what the instrument* are, which God uses for imparting blessings to a world,, that would seem to deserve little else besides chastisement. The great question, at the close of the 14th Century, was the restoring to the Holy City the

{rivilege of its having within its walls the Vicar of Jhrist, who, for sixty years, had been absent from his See. One saintly soul, by merits and prayers, known to heaven alone, might have brought about this happy event, after which the whole Church was longing; but God would have it done by a visible agency, &nd in the most public manner. In the name of the widowed Rome, — in the name of her own and the Church's Spouse, — Catharine crossed the Alps* and sought an interview with the Pontiff, who had not so much as seen Rome. The Prophetess respectfully reminded him of his duty ; and in proof of her mission being from God, she tells him of a secret which was known to himself alone. Gregory the Eleventh could no longer resist; and the Eternal City welcomed its Pastor and Father. But at the Pontiffs death, a frightful schism, the forerunner of greater, evils to follow, broke out in the Church. Catharine, even to her last hour, was untiring in her endeavoura to quell the storm. Having lived the same number of years as our Saviour had done, she breathed forth her most pure soul into the hands of her God, and went to continue, in heaven, her ministry of intercession for the Church she had loved so much on earth, and for souls redeemed in the precious Blood of her Divine Spouse.

Our Risen Jesus who took her to her eternal reward during the Season of Easter, granted her whilst she was living on earth, a favour, which we mention here, as being appropriate to the mystery we are now celebrating. He, one day, appeared to her, having with him his Blessed Mother. Mary Magdalene, — she that announced the Eesurrection to the Apostles, — accompanied the Son and the Mother. Catharine's heart was overpowered with emotion at this visit. After looking, for some time, upon Jesus and his holy Mother, her eyes rested on Magdalene, whose happiness she both saw and envied. Jesus spoke these words to her : " My be* "loved! I give her to thee, to be thy mother. "Address thyself to her, henceforth, with all con- 4< fidence. I give her special charge of thee." From that day forward, Catharine had the most filial love for Magdalene, and called her by no other name than that of Mother.

Let us now read the beau of our Saint's Life, as givei

Catharine, a Virgin of Sienna, was born of pious parents. She asked for and obtained the Dominican habit, such as it is worn by the Sisters of Penance. Her abstinence was extraordinary, and her manner of living most mortified. She was once known to have fasted, without receiving anything but the Blessed Sacrament, from Ash Wednesday to Ascension Day. She had very frequent contests with the wicked spirits, who attacked her in divers ways. She suffered much from fever, and other bodily ailments. Her

;iful, but too brief, account in the Liturgy,

Catharina, Virgo Senensis, piis orta parentibus, beati Dominici habitum, quern Sorores de Pcenitentia gestant, impetravit Summa ejus fuit abstinentia, et admirabilis vit® austeritas. Inventa est aliquando a die Cinerum usque ad Ascensionem Domini jejunium perduxisse, sola Eucharistise communione contenta. Luctabatur quam frequentissime cnm daemonibus, multisque iliarum molestiis vexabatur: sestuabat febribua, nec aliorum morborum cruciata

*22 PASCH carebat. Magnum et sanctum erat Catbarinse nomen, et undique ad earn aegroti et malignis vexati spiritibus deducebantur. Languoribus et febribus in Christi nomine imperabat, et daemones cogebat ab obsessis abire corporibus.

Cum Pisis immoraretur, die Dominico, refecta cibo ccelesti, et in extasim rapta, vidit Dominum crucifixum magno cum lumine advenientem, et ex ejus vulnerum cicatricibus quinque radios ad quinque loca sui corporis descendentes; ideo-

2ue mysterium advertens, tominum precata, ne cicatrices apparerent, continuo radii colorem sanguineum mutaverunt in splendidum, et in formam purae lucis pervenerunt ad manus, pedes et cor ejus: ac tantus erat dolor quern sensibiliter patiebatur, ut nisi Deus minuisset, brevi se crederet morituram. Hanc itaque gratiam amantissimus Dominus nova gratia cumulavit, ut sentiret dolorem illapsa vi vulnerum, et cruenta signa non apparerent Quod ita contigisse cum Dei famula confessario 8U0 Raymundo retulisset, ut oculis etiam repraesentaretur, radios in imaginibus beatdd Catharinse ad dicta quinque loca pertingentes, pia fidelium cura pictis coloribus expressit

LL TIME. reputation for sanctity was so great, that there were brought to her, from all parts, persons who were sick or tormented by the devil. She, in the name of Christ, healed such as were afflicted with malady or fever, and drove the devils from the bodies of them that were possessed.

Being once at Pisa, on a Sunday, and having received the Bread of heaven, she was rapt in an ecstacy. She saw our crucified Lord approaching to her. He was encircled with a great light, and from his five Wounds there came rays, which fell upon the five corresponding parts of Catharine's body. Being aware of the favour bestowed upon her, she besought our Lord, that the stigmata might not be visible. The rays immediately changed from the colour of blood into one of gold, and

Eassed, under the form of a right light, to the hands, feet, and heart of the Saint. So violent was the pain left by the wounds, that it seemed to her as though she must soon have died, had not God diminished it. Thus our most loving Lord added favour to favour, by permitting her to feel the smart of the wounds, and yet removing their appearance. The servant of God related what had happened to her to Raymund, her Confessor. Hence, when the devotion of the Faithful gave a representation of this miracle, they painted, on the pictures of St. Catharine, bright rays coming from the five stigmata she received.

Her learning was not acquired, but infused. Theologians proposed to her the most difficult questions of divinity, and received satisfactory answers. No one ever approached her, who did not go away a better man. She reconciled many that were at deadly enmity with one another. She visited Pope Gregory the Eleventh, (who was then at Avignon,) in order to bring about the reconciliation . of the Florentines, who were under an interdict on account of their having formed a league against the Holy See. She told the Pontiff that there had been revealed to her the vow which he, Gregory, had made of going to ftome, — a vow which was known to God alone. It was through her entreaty, that the Pope began to plan measures for taking possession of his See of Rome, which he did soon after. Such was the esteem in which she was held by Gregory, and by Urban the Sixth, his successor, that she was sent by them on several embassies. At length, after a life spent in the exercise of the sublimest virtues, and after gaining great reputation on account of her prophecies and many miracles, she passed hence to her divine Spouse, when she was about the age of three and thirty. She was canonised by Pius the Second.

Doctrina ejus infusa, non acquisita fuit : sacrarum litterarum professoribus difficillimas de divinitate qusestiones proponentibus respondit Nemo ad earn accessit, qui non melior abierit : multa exstinxit odia, et mortales sedavit inimicitias. Pro pace Florentinorum, qui cum Ecclesia dissidebant, et interdicto ecclesiastico suppositi erant, Avenionem ad Gregorium Undecimum Pontificem Maximum profecta est, cui etiam votum ejus de petenda Urbe, soli Deo notum, sese divinitus cognovisse monstravit : deliberavitque Pontifex, ea etiam suadente, ad sedem suam Romanam personaliter accedere ; quod et fecit. Eidem Gregorio et Urbano Sexto ejus successori, acceptissima fuit, adeo ut legationibus eorum fungeretur. Denique post innumera virtutum insignia, dono prophetise, et pluribus clara miraculis, anno aetatis suae tertio circiter et trigesimo, migravit ad Sponsum. Quara Pius Secundus Pontifex maximus sanctarum virgin um numero adscripsit.

Pope Pius the Second, one of the glories of Sienna, composed the two following Hymns, in honour of his saintly and illustrious fellow-citizen. They form part of the Office of St Catharine of Sienna, in the Dominican Breviary.

Hasc tuae, virgo, monumenta laudis, Quae tuis laeti, Catharina, sacris,

Hoc quidem pacto modulamur omnes, Perfer Olympo. Si satis digne nequeant referri,

Annuas nobis veniam, prae- camur : Non sumus tanti ingenii, fatemur, Optima virgo. Quis fuit dignas modulatus umquam Virginis laudes? Quis in orbe toto Foeminae invictae peritura numquam

Carmina pandet? Praedita exemplis Catharine Claris, Moribus praestans, sapiens abunde ; Temperans, fortis, pia, justa, prudens, iEthera scandis. 4Juem latet virtus, facin usque clarum, Quo nequit dici sanctius per orbem ? Vulnerum formam miserata Christi, Exprimis ipsa. Nam brevis, racestae, mi- 8eraBque vitaa,

Carry up to heaven, O holy virgin Catharine ! these canticles of praise, which we, gladdened as we are by thy feast, sing thus in thine honour.

If they are unworthy of thine acceptance, pardon us, we beseech thee. Nay, — we own, O glorious Saint I that we are not equal to the task we have undertaken.

But who is he, that could worthily praise such a Saint as this? Is there, in the wide world, a poet that could write an ode immortal enough for this heroine, whom no enemy could vanquish.

O Catharine ! illustrious example of all that is noble I thou wast rich in virtue and wisdom ; and with the riches of thy temperance, fortitude, piety, justice and prudence, thou ascendedst into heaven.

Who has not heard of thy glorious virtues and deeds, which were never surpassed in this world? Thy compassions for the sufferings of Christ stamped thee with the impress of his wounds.

Bravely despising the vain grandeurs of this short, mourn- ful, and miserable life, — which abounds with every evil, — thy ambition was for heaven alone.

Let us all give infinite thanks to the Son ever blessed of the Eternal Father ! let us give glory to the Holy Ghost I to the Three, one equal praise I Amen.

£t malis cunctis penitus refertae, Fortiter spernens pretiosa quaeque, Sid era adisti Gratias summas habeamus omnes Filio magni Genitoris almo, Spiritum Sanctum venereum r, et sit

Laus tamen una. Amen.

HYMN.

Well indeed may we sing thy praise, O Catharine ! for, by thy wondrous virtues, thou receivedst a triumphant welcome from heaven itself.

Yes, — it is in heaven alone, where thou art enriched with all good things, that thou receivedst the reward of thy holy life, and the recompense of thy grand virtue.

Great was thy veneration for the Patriarch of Preachers, — that perfect model of every virtue ; — thou euteredst hi Order, and art one of its brightest glories.

Joys of earth, vanity of dress, beauty of body, — none had charms for thee. Sin, the injustice offered to God by his creature, — oh ! this thou couldst not brook.

To reduce thy body to subjection, and to atone for the

Laudibus, virgo, nimis efferenda Jure censeris, quoniam triumphos Ipsa ccelorum, probitate mira, Nacta ref ulges. Praemium sanctae tamen ^ ipsa vitae

Et simul munus probitatis almae

Accipis ccelo, cumulate cunctis Denique rebus. Tu gravem sacris meritis refertum Orbis exemplar, pietate plenum

Praedicatorum venerata Patrem, Ordine f ulges. Nulla jam rerum placuit voluptas, Nullus ornatus, nitor ecce nullus

Corporis, semper fugiens iniqua Crimina vitae. Saepius corpus domitans acerbe,

Quam pie flagris cruor hinc et inde Fluxerat rivis ! hominumque demum Crimina flebas. Qui per ingentis, variosque casus, Orbe terrarum cruciantur omnes : Quotque vel curis agitantur ipsi Undique diris. Suppetent nobis totidem canenda, Si tuae laudes repetantur omnes : Tu quidem longe pietate cunctis Inclyta praestas. Jam ferox miles tibi saepe cessit,

Et duces iras posuere saavas:

Hi necem diram populo minata Saepe Senensi. Quid quod et sacris studiis frequenter Viribus summis operam dedisti : Litteras doctae, lepidaeque claris Urbibus exstant. Niteris verbis revocare lapsos,

Niteris rectum suadere cunctis : Sic ais : Tantum probitas beatos Efficit omnes. Jura tu saevae tremebunda mortis

Fortiter temnens, nihil ex- timescens, Praemium nostras vocitare vitae Saepe solebas. sins of men, oft didst thou severely scourge thyself till thine innocent blood would flow in streams on the ground.

Thou hadst compassion on all that were suffering, no matter where they might be, or what their misfortune. Thy sympathy was ever ready for them, too, that were a prey to care.

But our hymn would never end, were we to tell all thy praises, O Catharine! whose sanctity far surpassed that of other mortals.

The savage soldiers and leaders, who were threatening the people of Sienna with death, withdrew at thy word.

Oft was thy mind applied, with all its power, to the study of sacred things: and thy letters, teeming with wisdom and elegance, are still treasured in some of our richest Cities.

Tbou excelledst in the power of reclaiming sinners* and persuading all to follow what was right. Thus didst thou speak to them : " Virtue alone can make man happy."

Far from fearing, thou hadst a brave contempt tor the dread claims of death, which thou wast wont to call the recompense of life.

When, therefore, the time came for thee to leave thy sacred body to the tomb, and ascend into heaven, thou gavest lessons of consolation to them that stood weeping around thee.

And having adored the Body of Christ, and received, amidst abundant tears of devotion the saving Host, thy last words were instructions to all how to lead a holy life.

Let us all give infinite thanks to the Son ever blessed of the Eternal Father ! let us give glory to the Holy Ghost ! to the Three, one equal praise I Amen.

Unde cum tempus properaret ipsum, Quo sacros artus cineresque busto

Linqueres ccelos aditur

Ipsa docebas. Sic sacrum Christi venerata corpus, Hostiam libans, lacrymis obortis, Dixeras cunctis documenta vitae, Voce suprema. Gratia sum mas habeamus omnes

Filio magni Genitoris almo Spiritum Sanctum venere- mur, et sit Laus tamen una.

Amen.

Holy Church, filled as she now is with the joy of her Jesus' Resurrection, addresses herself to thee, O Catharine, who followest the Lamb whithersoever lie goeth} Living in this exile, where it is only at intervals that she enjoys his presence, she says to thee : Hast thou seen Him, whom my soul loveth ? 2 Thou art his Spouse ; so is she : but there are no veils, no separation, for thee; whereas, for her, the enjoyment is at rare and brief periods, and, even so, there are clouds that dim the lovely Light. What a life was thine, O Catharine ! uniting in itself the keenest compassion for the Sufferings of Jesus, and an intense happiness by the share he gave thee of his glorified life. We might take thee as our guide both to the mournful mysteries of Calvary, and to the glad splendours of the Resurrection. It is these second that we are now respectfully celebrating : oh ! speak to us of our Risen J esus. Is it not He that gave thee

1 Apoc. xiv. 4.

2 Cant. iii. 3. the nuptial ring, with its matchless diamond set amidst four precious gems ? The bright rays, which * gleam from thy stigmata, tell us, that when he espoused thee to himself, thou sawest him all resplendent with the beauty of his glorious Wounds. Daughter of Magdalene ! like her, thou art a messenger of the Resurrection ; and when thy last Pasch comes, — the Pasch of thy thirty- third year, — thou goest to heaven, to keep it for eternity. 0 zealous lover of souls ! love them more than ever, now that thou art in the palace of the King, our God. We, too, are in the Pasch, in the New Life ; intercede for us, that the life of Jesus may never die within us, but may go on, strengthening its power and growth, by our loving him with an ardour like thine own.

Get us, great Saint, something of the filial devotedness thou hadst for holy Mother Church, and which prompted thee to do such glorious things! Her sorrows and her joys were thine; for there can be no love for Jesus, where there is none for his Spouse : and is it not through her that he gives us all his gifts ? Oh, yes ! we, too, wish to love this Mother of ours ; we will never be ashamed to own ourselves as her children ! we will defend her against her enemies ; we will do everything that lies in her power to win others to acknowledge, love, and be devoted to her.

Our God used thee as his instrument, O humble Virgin, for bringing back the Roman Pontiff to his See. Thou wast stronger than the powers of this earth, which would fain have prolonged an absence disastrous to the Church. The relics of Peter in the Vatican, of Paul on the Ostian Way, of Lawrence and Sebastian, of Caecilia and Agnes, exulted in their glorious Tombs, when Gregory entered with triumph into the Holy City. It was through thee, O Catharine, that a ruinous captivity of seventy years' duration was brought, on that day, to a close, and that Rome recovered her glory and her life. In these our days, hell has changed its plan of destruction ! men are striving to deprive of its Pontiff-King the City, which was chosen by Peter as the See where the Vicar of Christ should reign to the end of the world. Is this design of God, this design which was so dear to thee, 0 Catharine ! — is it now to be frustrated ? Oh ! beseech him to forbid a sacrilege, which would scandalise the weak, and make the impious blaspheme in their success. Come speedily to our aid! — and if thy Divine Spouse, in his just anger, permit us to suffer these humiliations, pray that, at least they may be shortened.

Pray, too, for unhappy Italy, which was so dear to thee, and which is so justly proud of its Saint of Sienna. Impiety and heresy are now permitted to run wild through the land ; the name of thy Spouse is blasphemed ; the people are taught to love error, and to hate what they had hitherto venerated ; the Church is insulted and robbed ; Faith has long since been weakened, but now its very existence is imperilled. Intercede for thy unfortunate country dear Saint ! — oh ! surely, it is time to come to her assistance, and rescue her from the hands of her enemies. The whole Church hopes in thy effecting the deliverance of this her illustrious province : delay not, but calm the storm which seems to threaten a universal wreck !