Catherine of Siena: The Dialogue

  

Catherine of Siena: The Dialogue is a classic translation, by Suzanne Noffke O.P., of St. Catherine’s original script. Suzanne first provides a broad introduction so as to help the reader have a good background of understanding of how this work of St. Catherine came to be. Moreover, she details a description for what the reader is going to expect in this work of St. Catherine. Truly, Suzanne makes the point of understanding the life and mode of the original author, after all knowing the background of the author helps his/her piece of work to come alive for the reader. Though the introduction is crucial, it’s aim for the reader is primarily captured in just only two of its contents: Catherine’s Life & The Structure of the Dialogue.

In the early part of the Introduction, there is a well detailed summary of St. Catherine’s life. We read about her personal vow of virginity which she made at the age of seven. In addition, there is mention of her being adamant about this despite her parents’ persistence for her to marry. Soon after, having won over her parents, she received the Dominican habit at the age of 18. It was here that she began living in solitude, which would be the first step of her “mystical espousal” to Christ. However, over time she began to become more involved with the public, namely as a nurse. Eventually she began to intervene in political affairs, most notably her act of persuading the Pope to return the papacy to Rome. As a result of a new Schism erupting, she dedicated her time to writing and dictating many letters for loyalty and unity. Yet despite all these pressing endeavors, her mystical experiences continued to increase. Due to her health, the last part of her life was primarily spent in continuing prayer and sacrifice, especially after having received the stigmata. She died on April 29, 1380 the same age as our Lord: 33.¹

Besides her life, the Structure of the Dialogue is also provided so as to get a glimpse of this eye-opening mystical experience. Accordingly, tradition has it that St. Catherine’s disciples divided this work into particular chapters. The first chapter is titled Prologue, which introduces the saga of her 4 petitions to the Eternal Father along with logical correspondence to love & truth. The middle chapters then focus in depth on the subtopics concerning these. In other words, it is a composition of “dialogue” regarding this overview and how it can be remedied. In the final chapter, the Eternal Father provides a summary of all that has been discussed in which Catherine responds with thanks and praise. ²

Though the human soul is at the heart of the matter, St. Catherine’s writing style must be noted in regard to this version of translation. The language of her dialect had a tendency of repetition to where the translator, Suzanne, has either left out or rephrased certain words while refraining from any alteration to the context. Needless to say, some sentences were thoroughly long in addition to some words being considered overtone in speech. This required the translator to render the text all the more for the benefit of the reader.³

Yet regardless of the all critiquing, the book still maintains its non-fictitious manner of dialect. Its message is for all though the “dialogue” format is specifically written in the context of conversion between God the Father and St. Catherine. Examining the content, St. Catherine makes four petitions to the Father in regards to mercy. The first petition is for mercy upon herself, the second for the Church, the third for the world, and the final one being for His Providence over all.⁴ His answers are indeed reassuring but brief. It is Catherine who would expound upon them in the sense of her intelligent spiritual teaching. These elaborations are what compile the whole of her spirituality which is directed toward the soul of every individual.  

Overall, St Catherine’s Dialogue is her most well regarded work. The reason for this is that the context of all her many individual letters range from her personality, growth, and relationships while this work compiles the basis of her spirituality.⁵ Without a doubt the relationship and remedies described in this book correspond to our growth in love for God and each other. The words really make the reader come to consider the way in which God seeks to communicate with his creatures.

Bibliography

¹ St. Catherine of Siena. Catherine of Siena: The Dialogue. Trans. Suzanne Noffke, O.P. New York: Paulist Press, 1980. Print. 3-7

² Catherine of Siena: The Dialogue, 15-19.

³ Catherine of Siena: The Dialogue, 21.

⁴ “Guide to St. Catherine's Dialogue.” Benedict Ashley, O.P. 2016. Web. 23 Feb. 2016 <http://www.drawnbylove.com/pdf/Ashley%20Guide%20to%20Saint%20Catherine's%20Dialogue.pdf>.

⁵ Catherine of Siena: The Dialogue, 11.