Novena to St Catherine - Day 8

Published by Dominican Nuns Ireland in Reflections (Dominican) · 27 April 2026
Tags: Catherine, Peace

As we continue our Novena to St Catherine, I will read a short extract from a letter she wrote to Pope Gregory, calling on him to end the conflict with Florence:

In the name of Jesus Christ Crucified and of Sweet Mary Most Holy, holy and reverent father in Christ sweet Jesus, your unworthy daughter Catherine, servant and slave of the servants of Jesus Christ, writes your Holiness in His precious blood with desire to see you achieve peace, having peace yourself and your children around you. That is the peace God requires of you, and he wants you to do what you can, … strike them more with your staff of kindness, love and peace rather than the rod of war; and you will truly regain them spiritually and temporally. Wedging my soul between you and God, with great hunger for our salvation and the reform of holy Church and the good of the entire world, it seems that God reveals no other remedy than that of peace. Peace, peace then, for the love of Christ Crucified! And do not consider the ignorance, blindness and pride of your children. With peace you will cast out war and malice of heart and division, and unite them to yourself. Thus by virtue you will throw out the devil.

(Letter 209)

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