St. Catherine dei Ricci
Feb 13
Patron Saint of the Sick
Catherine’s father, Pier Francesco dei Ricci, was of an old and respected family of Florence.
Her mother died when she was a small child, and Catherine was brought up by a devoted stepmother, Fiammetta da Diacceto.
Her stepmother soon observed the child's unusual tendency to holiness, and did her utmost to foster and develop it.