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This beautifully crafted medal is really like a little sterling silver
portrait! It is cast in exquisite detail and includes the saint's name in raised lettering encircling the image. This 3/4" sterling silver medal and its companion 18" stainless steel chain come in a classic
hinged jewelry box, ready to become a classic gift!
About St. Catherine . . . Catherine was the youngest child in a very large family. She grew up as an intelligent, cheerful and intensely religious person. Catherine disappointed her mother by cutting off her hair as a protest against being overly encouraged to improve her appearance in order to attract a husband. Her father ordered her to be left in peace and she was given a room of her own for prayer and meditation. She entered the Dominican Third Order at 18 and spent the next three years in seclusion, prayer and austerity. Gradually a group of followers gathered around her - men and women, priests and religious. An active public apostolate grew out of her contemplative life. Her letters, mostly for spiritual instruction and encouragement of her followers, began to take more and more note of public affairs. Her public influence reached great heights because of her evident holiness, her membership in the Dominican Third Order, and the deep impression she made on the Pope. She worked tirelessly for the crusade against the Turks and for peace between Florence and the Pope. In 1378, the Great Schism began, splitting the allegiance of Christendom between two, then three, Popes and putting even saints on opposing sides. Catherine spent the last two years of her life in Rome, in prayer and pleading on behalf of the cause of Urban VI and the unity of the Church. In 1970 Paul VI named her and Teresa of Avila as doctors of the Church.
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