The Dialogue of Saint Catherine of Siena

“The Dialogue of Saint Catherine of Siena”, sometime referred to as “The Dialogue of Divine Providence”, is a series of spiritual treatises by 14th century mystic and political activist Saint Catherine de Siena. Born in 1347 in the city of Siena in Tuscany, Italy, Catherine was well-known for her mystical visions and developed a close and influential relationship with Pope Gregory XI, an unusual accomplishment for a woman of her time. Her most lasting legacies are her “Dialogue” and her surviving letters, which are considered some of the most important works of early Tuscan and Italian literature. It is widely believed the treatises that compose the “Dialogue” were dictated by Catherine while she was experiencing ecstatic mystical visions and contain the wisdom and revelations given to her by God. Catherine instructs the faithful in how to have a more personal and rewarding relationship to God, how to give oneself fully over to prayer and devotion, and how difficulties and suffering in life can be transformed into something positive and beautiful through faith and God’s love. Saint Catherine of Siena’s insights remain pertinent and instructive centuries after they were first published and endure as a timeless classic of Christian spiritual literature.