St. Catherine Benincasa
St. Catherine Benincasa
Fiery Mystic of Siena 1347–1380
Patronage Eating Disorders, Italy, Activism & Feminine Leadership
Feast Day April 29
Catherine is historically the only lay woman to be named a Doctor of the Church. She chose to be a Third Order Dominican to live her life fully for God and was an activist for the poor of Siena. Catherine was also a papal consultant, persuading Pope Gregory XI to return to Rome from France. Catherine had mystical prayerful experiences of the invisible stigmata wounds as well.
Small Snippet
Saint Catherine, intercede to the Holy Ghost that I may live passionately as my most real self. That in learning who I'm meant to be, I may never stray from my identity.
Prayer
Artistic Process
Original Painting
I bought this print where the relic of her skull is housed in Siena, Italy. “Siena, Chiesa della Visitazione - Sorelle dei Poveri” by A. Franchi - 1898.
I love fire, and any opportunity to photograph it. Since Catherine’s famous phrase involves fire, I HAD to incorporate it into the design. “If you are what you should be, you will set all of Italy ablaze!” Letter T368
Orchid flowers
I took these photos in my church. It symbolizes beauty and elegance, and I wanted to highlight this aspect of Catherine because her beauty was well known to her community. Showcasing that someone can be beautiful and choose not to marry.
Boca is an interesting way to shoot photography. I don’t create these effects digitally. Getting the lighting just right through the tree leaves is highly rewarding. Experimenting with light and shadows helps the creative process and really brings home the aura of the otherworldly aspect of Catherine.
