Catherine of Siena: Spiritual Development in Her Life and Teaching »

In his ground-breaking, systematic presentation of Catherine of Siena's teachings, Thomas McDermott draws on Catherine's writings to explain her principal teachings in relation to spiritual development and identifies her possible sources as well as her areas of originality. By examining Catherine's life and mystical experiences, McDermott shows how she grew spiritually and how her growth corresponds to her later teachings. Finally, he explicates what he regards as the fundamental message of Catherine's life and teaching. Students of mysticism and spirituality will find this book a trustworthy guide through the rich mysticism of one of the 14th century's most amazing women.

About the Author:
Thomas McDermott, OP, is currently assistant professor of spiritual theology and associate director of formation at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in Saint Louis, Missouri

Acknowledgments     vii
Abbreviations     ix
Foreword     xiii
Introduction     1
Biographical Notes     7
Spiritual Development in the Life of Catherine of Siena     11
Introduction     11
Sources and Their Historical Value     12
Childhood Experiences     18
In the Cell (c. 1363-67)     26
Siena and Its Environs (c. 1367-75)     34
Beyond Siena (1375-80)     58
Conclusion     73
Catherine of Siena's Principal Teachings and Spiritual Development     78
Introduction     78
"The Truth of God the Father"     80
God Becomes "Little" So That We Can See the Truth     82
The Blood That Reveals the Truth and Re-creates Us     84
The Christ-Bridge as "The Way of Truth"     89
"I Will Draw All Things to Myself": Progress on the Bridge as Spiritual Development     101
The Truth of the Human Person     104
"The Way of Self-Knowledge"     117
"On Two Feet You Must Walk My Way": Love of God and Love of Neighbor     131
Conclusion     134
"I Tre Stati Dell'Anima": Stages of Spiritual Development     137
Introduction     137
The First Scalone     161
The Second Scalone     169
The Third Scalone     183
Catherine's Life in Relation to Her Teaching     206
Conclusion     219
Conclusion     225
Catherine's Teaching     225
Catherine's Life     231
Outline of the Dialogue of Catherine of Siena     234
Notes     235
Works Cited     323
Index     339