This week in Christian history: John Sumner becomes Canterbury archbishop, anti-Soviet activist arrested, Catherine of Siena dies

By Michael Gryboski, Editor Sunday, April 26, 2026

Catherine of Siena dies – April 29, 1380

Saint Catherine of Siena (1347-1380) was a patron saint of Italy and a notable mystic. | Wikimedia Commons

This week marks the anniversary of when Saint Catherine of Siena, a prominent Medieval Catholic nun who reportedly experienced several mystical visions, died at the age of 33.

Born in Tuscany, Catherine became a tertiary, which was a member of a monastic order who could remain outside a cloistered community, with her being part of the Dominican order.

Later becoming a patron saint of Italy, Catherine was known for mediating conflicts within the Church and serving the poor, while having visions and dictating hundreds of various writings.

“Saint Catherine of Siena ranks high among the mystics and spiritual writers of the Church,” noted Franciscan Media. “In 1939, she and Francis of Assisi were declared co-patrons of Italy. Pope Paul VI named her and Teresa of Avila doctors of the Church in 1970.”

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