The Dialogue of Saint Catherine of Siena

Repertory of Dialogues

Desires and actions of the perfect. original: "Desiderii & opatiõe d' pfecti" — "Opatiõe" is an abbreviation for "operazione," meaning actions or spiritual workings. Chapters 78, 79, 84
The perfect desire bodily death. Chapters 83, 84
The perfect are in accord with the will of God. Chapter 84
The perfect are illuminated by spiritual light. Chapter 75
The devil, put to shame, flees from the perfect. Chapter 90
The perfect have infinite desires for tears. In Catherine’s theology, "tears" represent different stages of spiritual growth and the soul's deep compassion and desire for God. Chapter 92
Also concerning their tears. Chapter 96
On the light of the perfect who consider themselves worthy of every tribulation and every evil. Chapter [not listed]
On the works of those who are perfectly illuminated. Chapter [not listed]
The perfect receive the earnest of paradise original: "lara" for "l'arra" — meaning a pledge, down payment, or foretaste of heavenly joy experienced while still on earth. in this life. Chapter 101
The perfect grieve for the sin of their persecutors and for their salvation. Chapter 145
What the sorrows of the perfect in love are. Chapter 145

On perseverance in general. Chapter 158
Perseverance in good or in evil leads to life or to death. Chapter 52
Through perseverance one comes to perfect love. Chapter 73
Perseverance, patience, and fortitude together cannot be overcome. Chapter 77

Since the way was broken by the first sin, Christ is made a bridge. This is a central image in Catherine’s Dialogues: Christ's body serves as a bridge connecting humanity to God after the "road" was destroyed by Adam's fall. Chapter 21
How that bridge extends from heaven to earth. Chapter 22
The said bridge has three stairs, namely the feet, the side, and the mouth. These represent the three stages of the soul's journey: from the feet (stripping away of vice), to the side (the heart/love), to the mouth (peace and union). Chapter 26
Those three stairs are figured by the three powers of the soul. term: three powers of the soul — memory, intellect, and will. Chapters 51, 54
Those stairs signify three states of man: namely the imperfect, the perfect, and the most perfect. Chapters 56, 57
The said bridge is raised on high without departing from the earth.