Prayer for an Obstinate Sinner by Saint Catherine of Siena

Prayer for an Obstinate Sinner Attributed to Saint Catherine of Siena

My Lord, I know that if You looked upon our iniquities, no one could escape eternal damnation. But remember that You have suffered the cruelest torment, shed Your most precious Blood, and died solely to forgive us. Here on earth I have no greater consolation than to see sinners return to Your feet. Grant the conversion of this obstinate sinner; his (or her) soul is in Your hands. Amen.

Saint Catherine of Siena, a prominent figure in Christian history, is known for her profound spiritual experiences, influential writings, and active role in the Church during the 14th century. Born in Siena, Italy, on March 25, 1347, she was the 23rd of 25 children to Giacomo and Lapa Benincasa. Her life was marked by intense piety from a young age, reportedly experiencing her first vision of Jesus at the age of seven.

A prayer for an obstinate sinner, inspired by the teachings and spirit of Saint Catherine of Siena, would focus on divine mercy, contrition, and the transformative power of Christ's Blood. While Saint Catherine did not pen a specific prayer titled "Prayer for an Obstinate Sinner," her theological works, particularly "The Dialogue," provide a framework for intercession for those resistant to grace.

Drawing from her writings and the provided content, such a prayer would embody the following elements:

• Acknowledgement of God's Infinite Goodness and Mercy: Saint Catherine frequently emphasized God's boundless love and mercy, even for sinners. She believed that all things come from love and are ordained for the salvation of humanity. A prayer for an obstinate sinner would begin by invoking this divine attribute, recognizing that God desires the salvation of all.

• Plea for Contrition and Self-Knowledge: Catherine taught that true contrition and self-knowledge are essential for spiritual growth. She believed that understanding one's own imperfections and the goodness of God leads to a hatred of sin. The prayer would ask God to awaken the sinner's conscience, allowing them to see their faults and the offense their sins cause to an infinite God.

• Intercession through the Precious Blood of Jesus: A central theme in Saint Catherine's spirituality is the Precious Blood of Jesus, which she saw as the means of purification and redemption. She believed that the Blood of Christ can break even the hardest heart. The prayer would earnestly request the application of Christ's Blood to the obstinate sinner, asking for its transformative power to soften their heart and bring them to repentance.

• Desire for the Sinner's Conversion and Union with God: Catherine's life was a testament to her ardent desire for the honor of God and the salvation of souls. The prayer would reflect this desire, asking for the sinner to be drawn back to grace, to embrace virtue, and to ultimately achieve union with God through love.

• Patience and Perseverance in Prayer: Saint Catherine herself endured many trials and temptations, yet remained steadfast in her faith and prayers for others. The prayer would acknowledge the difficulty of converting an obstinate heart and would express a commitment to persistent prayer, trusting in God's timing and grace.

An example of such a prayer, reflecting these themes, could be:

"O Eternal Father, in Your infinite goodness and boundless mercy, we humbly come before You, interceding for [Name of Sinner], who remains obstinate in sin. You, who desire not the death of a sinner but that they may turn from their ways and live, look upon them with compassion.

Awaken, we pray, their conscience, and grant them the grace of true self-knowledge, that they may see the depth of their offenses against Your divine majesty and the harm they inflict upon their own soul. Let the light of Your truth penetrate the darkness of their heart, revealing the ugliness of sin and the beauty of Your love.

By the Precious Blood of Your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, poured out with such ardent love for our redemption, we implore You to break the hardness of their heart. Let that saving Blood wash away their sins, purify their intentions, and ignite within them a fervent desire for Your grace and a hatred for all that offends You.

Grant them, O Lord, the gift of contrition, a sorrow for their sins born of love for You, who are all good and deserving of all our love. Draw them back to the path of virtue and holiness, that they may embrace Your will and find true peace and joy in union with You.

We offer this prayer with unwavering faith, trusting in Your promises and the power of Your grace, through Christ our Lord. Amen."

Saint Catherine of Siena's own words from "The Dialogue" offer profound insights into the nature of sin and God's response: "Do you not know, dear daughter, that all the sufferings, which the soul endures, or can endure, in this life, are insufficient to punish one smallest fault, because the offense, being done to Me, who am the Infinite Good, calls for an infinite satisfaction? However, I wish that you should know, that not all the pains that are given to men in this life are given as punishments, but as corrections, in order to chastise a son when he offends; though it is true that both the guilt and the penalty can be expiated by the desire of the soul, that is, by true contrition, not through the finite pain endured, but through the infinite desire; because God, who is infinite, wishes for infinite love and infinite grief." This passage underscores the importance of infinite desire and contrition in seeking forgiveness and reconciliation with God.

Her life was a powerful example of intercessory prayer and active charity, serving the sick and poor, and even influencing popes and princes. She is recognized as a Doctor of the Church, a title bestowed in 1970, acknowledging her significant contributions to theology and spirituality.

OTHER PRAYER: "My Lord, I know that if you look at our iniquities, there is no one who can escape eternal damnation. But remember that you suffered the most cruel tortures, shed your most precious blood, and died with the single aim of forgiving us. I have no other comfort on earth except seeing sinners return to your feet. Grant me the conversion of this stubborn sinner; his soul is in your hands." Amen."