Student Reflection: Feast of St. Catherine of Siena

Good morning Friars! My name is Meg Prabhu of the Class of 2027. Today we are gathered to celebrate the Feast Day of St. Catherine of Siena, a Dominican laywoman and Doctor of the Church. Today’s first reading is about how standing firm in your beliefs, even when it’s challenging, is part of the true Christian faith.

St. Catherine of Siena was known for her deep prayer life, her care for the poor and sick, and her boldness in speaking the truth. Even though she wasn’t rich or powerful, she advised popes, leaders, and ordinary people to follow God’s will and live with holiness. She believed in trusting God completely, serving others with love, and staying strong through suffering. God gave her the strength, courage, and determination to stand up for what was right, even in the face of criticism and personal attacks.

One of my favorite stories about St. Catherine of Siena was when she gave away her own food and clothing to people in need.  After finding out about it,  her family was upset because they thought she was giving away too much. St. Catherine believed love for the poor was more important than wealth.

If I had to think of a woman who reminds me of St. Catherine of Siena, I would say my grandmother. She lives in India, but she manages to visit us about once a year. My grandma has taught me a lot of different things like knitting, but the lessons that have stuck with me are the ones about being devoted to your faith and the service of others. My grandma was an elementary school teacher for a long time, and even though she is retired she still devotes most of her time and energy into helping others. There is one school in particular, St. Michael’s, that she frequently volunteers at and donates to.

After my First Communion, some of my family members gave me money as a gift. My parents explained to me that I would be donating all of that money to St. Michael’s. I was very young at the time, so I did not understand why they wanted me to do this. The next year my family went to visit my grandma and she took us to that school. I still remember walking there during recess, and seeing how happy and excited all of the kids were. We met the principal and he showed us all the places where the donation went. My contribution helped fund a computer room for the kids, and even helped cover some of their tuition fees. After that experience, I realized how rewarding it can feel to give to others.  If it weren’t for my parents’ nudge and my grandma’s relationship with the school, I would have never had the opportunity to support these kids.

After that, I decided to continue donating to that school on my own. I also took up volunteering positions in my own community. My grandmother demonstrates for me some of the same characteristics St. Catherine of Siena had, such as dedication and generosity in helping others. She attends Mass every morning and is deeply devoted to her relationship with God.

The life of St. Catherine of Siena shows us the virtue of charity, the importance of putting others first, and staying consistent with one’s faith. She demonstrated these values in everything she did and challenged the social norms of her time. She spent time caring for the poor, sick, and forgotten. Her life helps us to learn that holiness is not only about prayer but can also be about kindness, volunteering, and helping people in need.

I know that all of us are busy with school and sports, but serving others does not have to be difficult. Being generous could be as simple as participating in the next food drive Fenwick offers, giving away clothes you don’t wear anymore, or stopping to talk to someone sitting alone at lunch. A small act can go a long way.