I ask my art subjects to pray for me

Before I begin a saint mosaic-collage, I like to take time to learn about the saint, and begin to ask the saint to intercede for me. Catherine Benincasa, born in Siena, Italy, grew up to be a very beautiful young lady. She was not only physically beautiful, but she radiated that extra joy that comes with constant closeness to Christ. It was the kind of joy which one gets from spending much time in prayer. The ongoing sickness that she suffered, along with personal criticisms, left her no less joyful. She had consecrated herself to God when she was only 7, became a Domincan tertiary (a consecrated lay person and wore the habit) at 16, and died in Rome in 1380. She is known for her mystical experiences, her zeal in defense of the papacy, and her collected writings (The Dialogues).
I believe that St. Catherine would encourage us to live joyfully, full of faith, rich in prayer, steadfast in fidelity to Christ and to his church. I hope that I have captured something of her spirit in my painted paper mosaic depiction of her, and that it might inspire you to reach toward the height of your own calling in Christ, with the aid of St. Catherine's intercession. Saint Catherine, pray for us !