 |
 |
 |
|
Icons by Br. Robert Lentz, ofm.
Influenced by his Russian Orthodox background and a period of study with a master iconographer, Lentz's unique style blends classical Eastern iconography with contemporary elements and "witnesses."
Dimensions: 7.25" x 2.5"
St. Catherine of Sienna (1347-1380)
Catherine of Sienna was the 24th child of a prosperous Siennese wool dyer. From childhood she felt called to a life dedicated completely to spiritual pursuits and resisted all efforts to push her towards marriage. She became a habited Dominican tertiary when she was 16 years old, and after 3 years of solitary prayer took up a life of apostolic work.
She worked first as a nurse among the sick of Sienna. Miracles of all sorts accompanied her prayers. She became renowned as a peacemaker and was able to mediate between squabbling individuals, families, political factions, and even city-states. A group of disciples gathered around her. As she traveled through Italy, crowds came to meet her, and many changed their lives for the better.
In this icon she is shown with a mighty ship on her shoulder, a symbol of how St. Peter's ministry had been changed by the medieval papacy. As she carries that ship, so did her prayers carry the hierarchy of her time. She is a patron for all those who feel crushed by religious institutions, as well as a great teacher for those drawn to a life of mystical prayer.
© Robert Lentz, 1995
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
