The Blessed Mother’s interventions in the life of Saint Catherine of Siena

Catherine of Siena (1347-1380), an Italian saint, Dominican tertiary and Doctor of the Church, was canonized in 1461. Her biographer wrote about the following interventions of Our Lady in Catherine’s life:

"One day, at the approach of the holy season of Lent, when Christians celebrate the Carnival, or a foolish adieu to the viands which the Church is on the eve of prohibiting, Catherine withdrew into her cell there to enjoy her Spouse more intimately by fasting and prayer: she reiterated her petition with more fervor than ever, and our Lord answered her : "Because thou hast shunned the vanities of the world and forbidden pleasure, and hast fixed on me alone all the desires of thy heart, I intend, whilst thy family are rejoicing in profane feasts and festivals, to celebrate the wedding which is to unite me to thy soul. I am going, according to my promise to espouse thee in Faith." Jesus Christ then spoke once more, when the Blessed Virgin appeared (...) The Mother of God took in her holy hand, the right hand of Catharine, in order to present it to her Son, asking Him to deign to espouse her in Faith. The Saviour consented to it with love, and offered her a golden ring, set with four precious stones, in the centre of which blazed a magnificent diamond. He placed it himself on Catherine's finger…"

In this other instance, the Virgin Mary gave Catherine practical help in the kitchen to relieve the poor:

"One year grain was scarce; many inhabitants had purchased wheat that was spoiled by humidity and it being impossible to find any other for any price, Catherine’s friend Alessia was forced to do the same. 

At the approach of harvest, before their provision of flour was exhausted, new and excellent grain was brought to the market: and hence Alessia intended throwing away the remains of the bad flour, and make bread of the new wheat just purchased, and mentioned her intention to Catherine. The latter said, "Why throw away what God has given for man's sustenance? If you do not like to eat of that bread, distribute it to the poor who have none." Alessia therefore kept the flour, and following Catherine’s direction, little loaves were kneaded and baked, which amazingly smelled and tasted delicious! 

Years later, her confessor felt anxious to know what had happened and asked her in private concerning the details of this event. She gave him the following answer: "I experienced an ardent wish to avoid throwing away what God had designed to bestow on us, together with an extreme compassion for the poor; I went therefore with fervor to the bin containing the flour. My gentle Queen, the Blessed Virgin, appeared to me accompanied by Saints and Angels, she ordered me to do what I projected and deigned in her affectionate kindness to work with her royal hands in the kneading of the paste, and it was the virtue emanating from her sacred hands which so multiplied the loaves ; she presented them to me as she finished each one, and I handed them to Alessia and her maid-servant."

Life of Saint Catherine of Sienna by the Blessed Raymond of Capua, her confessor - chapter 6 & chapter 10