Catherine of Sienna---In response to a vision she entered public life and in 1376 influenced Pope GREGORY XI to end the Babylonian captivity of the PAPACY and return to Rome. She was later papal ambassador to Florence. Catherine caused a spiritual revival almost everywhere she went, and her mysticism contains an overwhelming love of God and humanity. She dictated The Dialogue, a notable mystical workDominicans-Roman Catholic religious order, officially named the Order of Preachers (O.P.). Founded (1216) by St. DOMINIC, the order preached against the heresy of the ALBIGENSES and produced many eminent theologians, notably St. THOMAS AQUINAS. Members are accepted not into a specific house, but into the whole order, and wear a white habit with a black mantle (worn when preaching). There is a contemplative order of nuns and a widespread third order, including many teachersSt. Francis of Assisi-1182?-1226, founder of the FRANCISCANS; b. Assisi, Italy. The son of a wealthy merchant...
