On May 27th a courier reached Bologna with the news, and festive chimes from all the towers, and an evening of fireworks in the major square, made the people of Bologna certain of the great event with that Declaration of Sainthood. The following day, the entire population of Bologna gathered into the Saint Petronitis Basilica to sing the “Te Deum”, for God had best bestowed a new wonderful gift to the city. They were given a new beloved saint!
As another example, on December 26, 1908, a woman, Anna Codice, was given “The death sentence” by her doctors. She had what was called an “incurable disease and was receiving artificial assistance enabling her to breathe. Her parents immediately asked for Catherine’s assistance. They had supreme confidence and trust in “The Saint”; Anna was blessed with the Saint’s relics. Almost immediately this young woman was off the critical list and soon afterwards was restored to be in perfect health.
The greatest miracle, of course, with “Our Saint” is the glorious and precious relic of Catherine’s preserved human body. More than five centuries after her death, she is still intact and incorruptible, in her chapel at the Corpus Domini Monastery.
While the story of our saint ends here, we, the only church in the United States of America named in her honor, are certain that she continues to intercede for us in heaven. May we proudly continue to praise her and honor her with prayer.
“0, incomparable Saint Catherine, whose burning love of Jesus was worthy to receive and enjoy God’s special favors.
0, Saint Catherine, your body made incorruptible even five centuries after your death —which is proof of your glorious power of intercession in heaven, protect us from the dangers that soil our souls and bodies.
May your protection give us strength in our faith, determination in fulfilling our Christian duties, a constant desire for penitence and above all, purity of heart, so that we will be rewarded with our joyful vision of God forever.”
