St. Catherine of Siena Coloring Page
This St. Catherine of Siena coloring page shows the saint in her white veil and black cloak, holding a lily and a book, with a crucifix beside her and the towers of Siena behind. The PDF is free to print. Catherine was a brave young woman who nursed the sick and gave advice to popes.
The story of St. Catherine of Siena
About 700 years ago, in the city of Siena in Italy, a girl named Catherine was born into a big, busy family. Her father dyed cloth for a living, and the house was always full of brothers and sisters.
When Catherine was just six years old, she was walking home with her brother when she looked up and saw Jesus above the church, smiling at her and blessing her. From that day, she wanted to belong to Jesus with all her heart. When she was seven, she promised to give him her whole life.
When she grew older, Catherine put on the white and black habit of the Dominicans. She did not live in a convent. She stayed at home with her family, praying in her little room, and then she went out into the city to help. When a terrible sickness called the plague came to Siena, many people ran away, but Catherine stayed and nursed the sick.
Catherine was brave. In those days the pope had been living in France for many years, away from Rome. Catherine wrote him letters and even traveled to see him, asking him to come home to Rome. And he did! She sent hundreds of letters to popes, kings, queens and soldiers, asking them to make peace and to love Jesus.
St. Catherine of Siena died when she was only 33. Today she is a patron saint of Italy and of Europe, and of nurses. The Church calls her a Doctor of the Church, a great teacher of the faith. Her feast is April 29.
What to color
- Her veil and tunic: white, like all Dominicans.
- Her cloak: black or dark gray.
- The lily: white with a green stem, for her promise to belong to Jesus.
- The book: red, brown or blue, for her wise book called the Dialogue and her many letters.
- The crucifix: brown wood, because she loved Jesus on the Cross.
- The heart: red. A story says Jesus gave Catherine his own heart, full of love.
- The city of Siena: red-roofed houses, a tall tower and a striped cathedral.
A prayer to pray together
Catholics ask her prayers especially for the pope, for peace and for the sick:
St. Catherine of Siena, pray for us.
Older children can add: and help us be brave and kind like you.
Ideas for families and classrooms
- Color this page on her feast, April 29.
- Write a letter, as Catherine did, to someone who needs a kind word, or to a priest or bishop to thank him.
- Pray for the pope and for nurses and doctors.
- Make a card for someone who is sick.
- Talk about it: Catherine was young, but she spoke up for what was right. When can we be brave and speak up kindly?
Read the full story: St. Catherine of Siena in the encyclopedia.
Frequently asked questions
What colors should I use for St. Catherine of Siena?
Catherine wore the Dominican habit, so leave her veil and tunic white and color her cloak black or dark gray. Make the lily white with a green stem and the houses of Siena warm red, orange and brown.
Why does St. Catherine hold a lily?
The lily is a sign of a pure heart. When Catherine was only seven, she promised to give her whole life to Jesus.
Was St. Catherine of Siena a nun?
Not exactly. She joined a group of Dominican laywomen who wore the habit and prayed, but they lived in their own homes. Catherine lived with her family and went out to care for the sick and the poor.
Is this coloring page free for schools?
Yes. Print as many copies as you need for your home, classroom or parish.