Shrine of Saint Catherine of Genoa: A Journey of Faith and History

The Shrine of Saint Catherine of Genoa, located within the Church of the Santissima Annunziata di Portoria, represents an important hub of spirituality and devotion in the Ligurian city. This sacred place houses the remains of Saint Catherine Fieschi Adorno, a mystic and author of the famous “Treatise on Purgatory,” a prominent figure in the Genoese and broader religious landscape.

The Chapel of Saint Catherine and the Incorrupt Body

Inside the church, the chapel dedicated to the saint is easily recognizable: it is the second on the right upon entering. Here, in an urn, rests the incorrupt body of Saint Catherine, a miraculous event that has fueled faith and popular devotion over the centuries.

The translation of her body to a more worthy tomb, the work of Tomaso Orsolino, occurred in 1512, two years after her death, following the discovery of her incorrupt body. Subsequently, after her canonization in 1737, the sculptor Francesco Maria Schiaffino created the new majestic sepulchral mausoleum.

Symbols and Relics

• Incorrupt body: The main relic, a testament to Catherine’s sanctity and an object of veneration.
• Bone relics: Additional relics of the saint preserved in the shrine.

A Bit of History: From the Church of the Annunziata to the Shrine

The history of the shrine is closely linked to the Church of the Santissima Annunziata di Portoria, built in 1488. Catherine Fieschi Adorno, after her death in 1510, was initially buried in this same church. The subsequent discovery of her incorrupt body initiated her veneration and the transformation of the place into a shrine.

Saint Catherine of Genoa: Mystic and Servant of the Poor

Catherine Fieschi Adorno (Genoa, 1447 – September 15, 1510) came from a noble Genoese family. She married Giuliano Adorno, spending a period of worldly life before converting and dedicating herself completely to spiritual life and the care of the poor and sick. Her profound mystical experience and her charitable work made her a venerated figure even during her lifetime.

She is primarily known for her “Treatise on Purgatory,” a work that describes in an intense and original way the purification of the soul after death.

Popular Devotion and Ex-Votos

Popular devotion to Saint Catherine is evidenced by the large number of ex-votos preserved in the adjacent Museum of Capuchin Art and Culture. Among these are:

• Tablets and plaques with inscriptions
• Painted tablets
• Goldsmith objects
• Anthropomorphic figurines
• Various objects
• Photographs

A subject of particular attention is the “Consortium Caritatis,” an institution created around the figure of the Saint that dealt with charitable works and spiritual assistance, passing down the devotion and memory of Catherine through time.

The Custodians of the Shrine: Capuchins and Confraternities

The custody of the shrine was entrusted first to a Confraternity and then to the Capuchin Fathers, who have continued to promote devotion and care for the artistic and spiritual heritage.

Discovering the Shrine: Ideas for an Adventurous Visit

Beyond visiting the chapel and admiring the mausoleum, the Shrine of Saint Catherine of Genoa offers interesting ideas for a more in-depth visit:

• The Museum of Capuchin Art and Culture: An opportunity to admire the ex-votos and other objects related to the life and devotion to Saint Catherine.
• The Caterinian Study Center: A place to deepen knowledge of the saint through publications and historical documentation.
• The Church of the Santissima Annunziata di Portoria: An architectural jewel with works of art of great value.
• Historical Research: Delve into the role of the “Consortium Caritatis” and its charitable activities in 16th-century Genoa.