Catherine of Palma facts for kids
Quick facts for kids SaintCatherine of Palma |
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Anonymous 18th-century altarpiece showing St Catherine, in a chapel at Valldemossa, Mallorca
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| Born | Catalina Thomás 1 May 1531 Valldemossa, Mallorca, Spain |
| Died | 5 April 1574 |
| Beatified | 12 August 1792 by Pope Pius VI |
| Canonized | 22 June 1930, Rome, Saint Peter's Basilica by Pope Pius XI |
| Major shrine | Saint Mary Magdalen's Church in Palma on Plaça Santa Magdalena (incorrupt body) |
| Feast | primarily 5 April 27–28 July in Valldemossa |
| Attributes | habit and rochet as used by Augustinian Canonesses |
| Patronage | Mallorca |
Saint Catherine of Palma (born Catalina Thomás, 1531–1574) was a Spanish nun who became a saint in 1930. She is also known as Saint Catherine Thomás.
She was born on May 1, 1531, in Valldemossa, a village on the island of Mallorca, Spain. Her family were farmers. As a young girl, she worked as a helper in a home in Palma. There, she learned how to read and sew. Later, she joined a group of nuns called the Canonesses of St Augustine. They lived at the convent of St Mary Magdalene in Palma.
According to stories, Catherine had special experiences. She was said to have visions of angels. For the last few years of her life, she often went into a deep, peaceful state called ecstasy. She passed away on April 5, 1574, in Palma, Mallorca. She died of natural causes. Even today, some of her belongings, like her hat, are kept at the convent. Her body is also preserved there in a special marble tomb.
Becoming a Saint
After Catherine's death, local people in Mallorca believed she was a saint. They honored her for about 50 years. However, a rule from Pope Urban VII stopped people from worshiping saints who were not officially recognized.
The people of Mallorca asked the Church in Rome to recognize Catherine. Their efforts worked! She was officially declared "blessed" (beatified) on August 12, 1792. This was done by Pope Pius VI. Much later, on June 22, 1930, she was declared a full saint (canonized) by Pope Pius XI. This special ceremony took place in Rome.
Legacy and Patronage
The house where Catherine was born in Valldemossa is now a special place. It is located at Carrer Rectoria 5. Many homes in her village have a plaque to honor her.
Saint Catherine of Palma is thought to be the patron saint of Mallorca. A patron saint is like a special protector. However, other saints like Saint Sebastian and Alphonsus Rodriguez are also sometimes given this title for Mallorca. The Virgen de Lluc, a special statue of Mary, is also very important to the island.
People remember Saint Catherine on different days. Her main feast day is April 5. In her hometown of Valldemossa, she is celebrated on July 27 and 28.
You might see her name spelled in different ways. Some common spellings are Catalina, Caterina, Cathalina, and Catherine. Her last name can be Thomas, Thomás, Tomas, Tomàs Gallard, or Tomàs i Gallard.
See also
In Spanish: Catalina Tomás para niños
