The Life of St. Catherine of Siena (Bl. Raymond of Capua)

This is the classic life of St Catherine by her spiritual director. He tells of her only what he experienced firsthand, or of what he learned firsthand from her mother, her sisters, her family members and friends. An incredible life, told simply and straightforwardly, without embellishment and without dodging her many miracles, and miraculous conversions. This book puts you squarely in the presence of one of Holy Mother Church's greatest saints.

Blessed Raymond of Capua was born at Capua, Italy in 1330. Known as the second founder of the Dominican order, he became prior of the Dominican house in Rome after attending the University of Bologna. He became both friend and spiritual director to St. Catherine of Siena from 1376, and eventually became her closest advisor. After laboring to bring assistance and comfort to the victims of a plague that struck Siena, he caught the disease himself and was nursed back to health by St. Catherine. He was elected head of the Dominican order after her death, and died at Nuremnberg. Bishop Raymond is the author of two biographies on Catherine of Siena and St. Agnes of Montepulciano. His feast is celebrated on October 5.