Santa Maria Sopra Minerva

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her a share in the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the city gates. - Proverbs 31:30-31

When we were wandering around exploring some of the ancient and secular sights of Rome, we came across this church in geographic proximity to the Pantheon and decided to check it out. Surprisingly, it was a church I visited on my last trip here five years ago when I was studying medieval women in religious history.

The church boasts several features which make it noteworthy. First, the original structure was built in the first century on top of a temple to Minerva built about 800 years previously. That former structure is gone, and what stands now is Rome's only Gothic-style church built in the mid-13th century. Some theorize that no other Gothic churches exist either because of Rome's decline during that period or because of Italy's distaste for a 'northern' style - regardless, even this church can't quite hold to the Gothic style.

However, what makes this church most remarkable is its dedication to women of religious history. Not only does it supersede the goddess Minerva, but it is the final resting place of Saint Catherine of Siena, an Italian mystic affiliated as a Dominican tertiary who died in Rome in 1380. Her fight to re-unify the Catholic church during the Great Schism. She is one of only three women to receive the title of Doctor of the Church and is also one of the patron saints of Europe. Truly, her faith and testimony are legendary.

It was wonderful for me to come across such a woman of faith again and be reminded of the work that women across the centuries have given to the church. It also made me appreciate the work that I am able to do today and the way I can use my gifts and talents on behalf of the church. Thank you, St. Catherine, and the many women - named and unnamed - who have worked to strengthen the faith.

God of Love, you send us saints of all kinds to guide us in this life towards greater faith in you. We are especially thankful for the women who, against all odds, used their lives and talents to show others your love. Continue to use each of us to our fullest capacity, so that you might be glorified in all the world. In Christ's name we pray, Amen.