The Dialogue of Saint Catherine of Siena

of the Dialogues

¶ This is a table of all the things contained in this book.

Abstinence in and of itself is worth nothing: and how it ought to be practiced. Saint Catherine often emphasized that physical penance like fasting is merely a tool, and without internal desire for God, it lacks spiritual value. Chapters 7, 11, 12, 104.

Of the sin of Adam & Eve. Chapter 121, page 135.

Against the sin of ambition. Chapter 34.

Self-love original: "amor proprio." For Catherine, "amor proprio" or disordered self-centeredness is the root of all evil and the primary obstacle to the soul's union with God. deprives one of every virtue. Chapter 7.
Likewise, against self-love. Chapter 7.
Self-love is the cause of all sins. Chapters 38, 128.
There are many defects that arise from self-love. Chapter 127.
Self-love is pride and the cause of disobedience. Chapter 156.
Self-love is the deception of the disobedient: and many evils follow from it. Chapter 161.
The love of God and of one's neighbor is all one. Chapter 7.
Love and contrition satisfy for the fault original: "satiffa a la colpa." This refers to the theological concept of "satisfaction," where the depth of one's love and sorrow for sin can make amends for the guilt of that sin.. Chapter 4.
All labors performed without love are considered words and not deeds: and these do not enter into eternal life. Chapter 11.
On the order of the love of neighbor In medieval theology, the "order of love" (ordo caritatis) dictated how one should love God first, then oneself properly, then one's neighbor.. Chapter 11.
How one should love God and neighbor. Chapter 64.
By what signs one may know if love is perfect or imperfect. Chapter 64.
Against those who love God for temporal consolation Referring to "mercenary" love—loving God only for the sake of the spiritual "sweetness" or earthly rewards He provides.. Chapters 60, 67, 68.
On the third degree of love: which is perfect. Chapter 72.
In what manner one arrives at this love. Chapter 73.
On the signs to know that the soul has reached perfect love. Chapter 64.
On the riches that God gives to his lovers who ask him. Chapter 141.