St. Catherine of Siena (1347–1380), a great mystic and Doctor of the Church, was known for her visions and profound holiness. One day, while attending Mass, the priest hesitated to give her Holy Communion, doubting her worthiness. Suddenly, before the eyes of everyone present, the consecrated Host disappeared from the priest’s hands and miraculously appeared…
In 1224, while praying and fasting on Mount La Verna in Italy, St. Francis of Assisi experienced a vision of a seraphic angel bearing the image of the Crucified Christ. As the vision faded, Francis felt an intense, burning love and pain. When he looked at his hands, feet, and side, he discovered the stigmata…
For centuries, on Holy Saturday in the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, thousands of faithful gather to witness the ancient miracle of the Holy Fire. The Orthodox Patriarch enters the tomb of Christ in the sepulchre, carrying no matches or fire. After fervent prayer, a mysterious blue flame is said to appear spontaneously…
In 1240, the army of Emperor Frederick II attacked the town of Assisi. The soldiers reached the convent of San Damiano, where St. Clare of Assisi and her sisters lived in prayer. As the invaders prepared to break in, Clare, who was sick and weak at the time, asked to be carried to the chapel….