Catherine of Palma
Catherine of Palma, born Caterina Tomàs i Gallard, was a Spanish mystic and canoness from Mallorca. Known for her deep spirituality and visions, she is venerated as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church. She is remembered for her sanctity and the comfort she offered to many, as well as her depictions as a young farmer.
- Feast Day
- April 5
- Century
- 16th century
- Country Or Region
- Spain
Key Facts
- ›Born Caterina Tomàs I Gallard on may 1, 1531, in Valldemossa, Mallorca, Spain.
- ›She was the sixth of seven children and lost her parents at a young age, spending her formative years with her grandparents.
- ›Catherine joined the Canonesses of St Augustine at the convent of St Mary Magdalene in Palma on November 13, 1552.
- ›She became known for her sanctity and was respected for her advice by both important people and the poor.
- ›According to legend, she experienced visions of devils and angels and went into ecstasy for the last years of her life.
- ›She died on April 5, 1574, in Palma, Mallorca, and was canonized on June 22, 1930.
Caterina Tomàs i Gallard, Catalina, Caterina, Cathalina, Catherine, Thomas, Thomás, Tomas, Tomàs Gallard, Tomàs i Gallard, Sor Tomassa, Sor Tomaseta
Mallorca
Canonesses of St Augustine
Young Farmer
About Catherine of Palma
Catherine of Palma, born Caterina Tomàs i Gallard on May 1, 1531, in Valldemossa, Mallorca, Spain, was a Spanish canon and mystic who lived until 1574. She is venerated as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church.
Life and historical context
Born into a peasant family as the sixth of seven children, Catalina was orphaned at a young age. She spent her formative years with her grandparents near the Valldemossa Charterhouse before moving in with relatives in 1541. Here, she assisted with farm work and tended to flocks, leading to her occasional depiction as a young farmer. Catalina's deep spirituality and aspirations for a religious life led to internal conflict, during which she reported visions of saints who offered her comfort.
With the assistance of hermit Antonio Castañeda, she left her family in 1550 and worked for the Zaforteza Tagamanent family in Palma. In 1552, she entered the convent of St Mary Magdalene in Palma, joining the Canonesses of St Augustine. She gained renown for her sanctity and was respected for her counsel by both the clergy and the populace. Legend states she experienced visitations from both angels and devils and entered into ecstasies during the final years of her life. Catherine of Palma died on April 5, 1574, in Palma, Mallorca, due to natural causes. As of 1904, her remains, including her hat and thimble, were preserved in a marble sarcophagus within the convent of St Mary Magdalene in Palma.
Veneration
Following her death, Catherine was locally celebrated as a saint for fifty years. A decree by Pope Urban VII temporarily halted the veneration of unrecognised saints, but local appeals, including one by Bishop Antonio Despuig y Dameto, led to her formal recognition. She was beatified by Pope Pius VI on August 12, 1792, and canonized by Pope Pius XI on June 22, 1930. Her feast day is observed on April 5, though her hometown of Valldemossa commemorates her on July 27 and 28. The house where she was born in Valldemossa has been transformed into a shrine, and many residences in the village bear plaques in her honor. The extent of her surviving writings is limited to two letters addressed to Father Vicente Mas, alongside some Mallorquín folk songs recounting her life.
Legacy
Catherine of Palma is recognized as one of the patron saints of Mallorca, alongside Sebastian, Alphonsus Rodriguez, and the Virgen de Lluc. She is remembered for her mystical experiences and her devout life within the Augustinian order.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Catherine of Palma born and where?
Catherine of Palma was born on May 1, 1531, in Valldemossa, Mallorca, Spain. She was born into a peasant family.
What was Catherine of Palma's religious life like?
Catherine of Palma was a Spanish canoness and mystic. She joined the Canonesses of St Augustine at the convent of St Mary Magdalene in Palma in 1552 and became known for her sanctity and spiritual visions.
When is Catherine of Palma's feast day?
Catherine of Palma's feast day is commonly celebrated on April 5. In her hometown of Valldemossa, she is remembered on July 27 and 28.
What is Catherine of Palma remembered for?
She is venerated as a saint for her deep spirituality, her mystical experiences, and the comfort she provided to others. She is also often depicted as a young farmer, reflecting her upbringing.
What happened after Catherine of Palma's death?
After her death, she was locally celebrated as a saint. She was eventually beatified by Pope Pius VI in 1792 and canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1930.
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