Women in History: Saint Catherine of Siena, Leading and Loving with God’s Heart

For Holy Women's History Month, Taryn DeLong reflects on how Saint Catherine of Siena teaches us what it really looks like to receive and submit to God’s love and will. 

When it comes to giants of our faith, Saint Catherine of Siena looms large, especially for women. How many of us have seen an Instagram post with the quote, “Be who you were made to be, and you will set the world on fire!” (The actual quote is, “If you are what you ought to be, you will set fire to all Italy, and not only yonder.”)

She knew the pope — and held significant influence over him. She was involved in Italian politics. She had visions. What a bold, faithful woman!

When I learned more about Catherine’s life, though, my perception of her changed. Yes, she was bold. Yes, she was faithful. But in no way did she do any of this of her own accord. To me, Saint Catherine of Siena is a model of receptivity — that often-used but often-misunderstood characteristic of the feminine genius.

Feminine Receptivity

Saint John Paul II is often cited as defining four elements of the feminine genius: receptivity, sensitivity, generosity, and maternity. In reality, he never specified that there were four elements of the feminine genius, let alone what they are. In documents such as Mulieris Dignitatem or Letter to Women, he does describe the feminine genius (a term he did coin, in the latter document) as being each of these things, and more.

My favorite definition of receptivity comes from Catholic philosopher Alice von Hildebrand, who wrote in The Privilege of Being a Woman that receptivity is “alert, awakened, joyful readiness.” For Catholics, that readiness is for the Lord. This alert, awakened, joyful readiness is exactly what Saint Catherine demonstrated.

“Filling Her Whole Being”

In her beautiful biography of Saint Catherine, Sigrid Undset (author of the equally beautiful novel Kristin Lavransdatter) writes of Catherine’s first vision, which occurred when she was six. She saw Jesus on a royal throne and Saints Peter, Paul, and John the Evangelist next to him. The Lord blessed her with the sign of the cross, and “Catherine stood motionless, while the love of God streamed into her soul, filling her whole being and transforming it — for ever.”

Catherine soon made a vow of chastity and eventually became a Third Order Dominican. This vocation enabled her to be in the world but devoted to doing work beyond her own home. And that love of God never left her soul. She emptied herself. According to Undset’s biography, Jesus told Catherine, “The other day I took away your heart. To-day I give you My heart, which will give you eternal life.” And, “I shall give you My will, and it shall make you so strong that nothing that may happen to you can ever touch or alter you!”

It explains everything about her life, doesn’t it? Of course she had an iron will; it was Jesus’ will, guiding others through her. Of course she had an unceasingly loving heart; it was Jesus’ heart, loving through her. Like John the Baptist, she decreased, and Jesus increased (John 3:30).

I don’t know about you, but I could use a will like that. I could use a heart like that. Most days, I do not feel equipped to raise the beautiful girls God gave me. The days I do feel equipped, I’m lying to myself.

Maybe you feel the same. But Saint Catherine’s life reminds us that we don’t have to be equipped — as long as we allow God to equip us.

Saint Catherine wasn’t holier than I am — at least, not on her own. She was more receptive than I am, and God made her holy. I doubt God is calling me to be an international figure, advising popes and political leaders. I will probably never have visions or receive the stigmata. But God is calling me to be a loving and patient wife and mother. And let’s be clear: That vocation is also challenging!

Jesus loves me, as He loved Saint Catherine. He wants me to live with Him forever, just like He does with Catherine. His grace is there, waiting for me, just like it was for Catherine. All I need is the courage to receive it.

Saint Catherine of Siena, pray for us!

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Copyright 2026 Taryn DeLong
Images: (banner) Trinity Mirror / Mirrorpix / Alamy Stock Photo; iStockPhoto.com, licensed for use by Holy Cross Family Ministries