The Feast of Saint Catherine of Siena is on April 29. She is the patroness of Europe. She is also the patroness of fire fighters and against fire because she was not consumed by it whenever she fell into fire during her ecstasies. Her patronage also include nurses, people ridiculed for their piety, Italy, against bodily ills, miscarriages, and sexual temptation,
Here are some ideas for you and your family to do on her feast.
Learn more about St. Catherine
YouTube videos on the life of St. Catherine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZSblkcm-ME
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbGft4ARjdY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncIjpRWgFvc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CF2bycKbS4c
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSVrh5FZ_a4
Books:
There are many Books of Saints for children which includes St. Catherine of Siena. Here are two from which we have already read about St. Catherine.
I discovered a 30 day devotional based on the classic spirituality of St. Catherine.
Set Aside Every Fear is available on Scribd. We plan to begin reading on St. Catherine's feast day.
Saints Journal
My Son and I have been drawing and painting the Saints we learn in our Saints Journal. He loves to draw and he usually draws the events in the saints' lives rather than just a portrait of the saint. I usually do portraits.
If you haven't started a journal yet, I encourage you to do so. You can download a coloring page for the little ones who prefer to just color. They can have their own Saint Journals too. The coloring pages can be pasted on a drawing book or sketch book or just put together in a binder.
Do Housework (With Love)
If you homeschool like us, you know too well that housework is part of the curriculum, and that it is encouraged even to the little ones. St. Catherine was made to do the most difficult housework to change her mind and agree to be married. She did all that was asked of her quietly and patiently.
So just like St. Catherine, encourage each other to do all their chores with love and cheerfulness.
Talk about Firefighters and Fire Safety
Toddlers and Preschoolers would be delighted to do some activities about firemen. When our son was 3 years old, we pretended to be firemen, climbed up a ladder and even made props. I was asked to draw a couple of fire trucks to paint on.
Celebrate With Food
I will definitely try this one from Catholic Cuisine
You can also prepare something that is cooked by fire like barbeque or a flambe. Or you can try the traditional dishes of the province of Siena.
The novena starts on April 20th. Nine days prior to the feast day. Here are some links where you can find novena prayers to St. Catherine of Siena
I hope some of these ideas help you in celebrating the feast of St. Catherine of Siena.
