A young laywoman with almost no education, Catherine of Siena became known for her intense experiences of prayer, her powerful preaching, and her scathing critique of the political and church leaders of her day. 

She is recognized today as a "Doctor of the Church," the only layperson to receive the title. She had a passion for "waking people up" to the love of God which is the only source of true freedom. Catherine knew the terrible bondage of sin and counseled many men and women through their dysfunction and turmoil. She urged anyone who would listen to embrace the radiant love God is offering to every man and woman up and down the ages!