Saints & Sinners: A city shaped by those who passed through
We will follow in the footsteps of saints who walked these very same streets centuries ago. Imagine what life may have been like for these extraordinary men and women!
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Some of the Cast of Characters:
Santa Caterina da Siena (1347-1380; canonized 1461): Dominican tertiary, stigmatic, traveller, troublemaker. Learn why this Doctor of the Church and co-patron saint of Italy is one of Catholicism’s most beloved (and problematic!) holy figures. Feast day: 30 April.
San Bernardino da Siena (1380-1444; canonized 1450): Franciscan friar and fiery preacher, Bernardino had a thing or two to say about the Siena of his time. Feast day: 20 May.
San Bernardo Tolomei (1272-1348; canonized 2009): It took a while for the founder of the Olivetans to achieve sainthood, but we will learn about his Order, his family, and the event that claimed his life. To learn more, why not plan a visit to Monte Oliveto Maggiore as well? Feast day: 19 August.
The Blesseds (beati):
Not quite saints, but perhaps a bit more disciplined than you or I!
Beato Pier Pettinaio (ca. 1189-1289): Long-lived and quiet, he is one of the few Sienese people the Florentine poet Dante didn’t place in Inferno.
Beato Andrea Gallerani (d. 1251): He founded the Misericordia in the 13th century, and we can still see his symbol on the uniforms of Siena’s emergency responders.
Beato Giovacchino Piccolomini (1258-1305): In front of his final resting place in the basilica of Santa Maria dei Servi, the faithful leave prayers to him to protect their newborns.
Beato Ambrogio Sansedoni (1220-1286): A Dominican preacher, this son of a noble Sienese family died mid-sermon in the Campo.
“Orsù, figliuoli dolcissimi, correte questo palio; e fate che solo sia uno quello che l’abbia, cioè che ‘l cuor vostro non sia diviso, ma sia una cosa col prossimo vostro per affetto d’amore.”
Details
This is a walking tour up and down the hills of Siena, so wear comfortable shoes. As we will enter a church or two, please bring something to cover your shoulders as well (now you have an excuse to buy a lovely Italian scarf!). This is a historical rather than religious tour – all are welcome!
Rates will depend on number of people and length of tour. Please contact Anna for pricing details.
San Bernardino’s Holy Name monogram (YHS or IHS = “Iesus hominum salvator”, “Jesus the saviour of mankind”)
