Feast day: September 15th
When did St. Catherine of Genoa live: 1447 - 1510
Biography of St. Catherine of Genoa:
Catherine of Genoa was born as the youngest of five children to a family of Genoese nobles and tried to enter a convent but was turned away because of her young age. At 16, she was forced into an arranged marriage and shortly after fell into a depression. In 1473, she had a vision and was completely changed. She led her husband to faith and cared for the sick and poor. In 1490, she became a Franciscan tertiary. She died in 1510 and was canonized in 1737.
Patronage of St. Catherine of Genoa: Patroness of brides, childless people, difficult marriages, of people ridiculed for their piety, of victims of adultery, widows, of Italian hospitals and against temptations
Statues and wooden sculptures representing St. Catherine of Genoa - portrayal, imagery and emblem: St. Catherine of Genoa is shown as a young pious woman with book and crucifix.