The early life of Saint Catherine of Bologna (1413 — 1463), the patron saint of the liberal arts, provides a fascinating glimpse into the power of a comprehensive education which trains the young mind to recognize and assent to truth, writes Sarah Salow, pictured below, Associate Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Lansing who will soon become the Principal of Saint Mary School in Pinckney. Sarah continues:
Raised within the vibrant intellectual atmosphere of the Ferrarese court, she received a rich and varied schooling. This included not only literacy and rhetoric, foundational elements of a liberal arts education, but also extended to artistic disciplines like painting and music. This broad curriculum nurtured her diverse talents and fostered a well-rounded intellect from a young age.
Saint Catherine’s life exemplifies the integration of intellectual pursuits with spiritual growth. Her access to illuminated manuscripts and the encouragement she received to cultivate her artistic skills demonstrate the value of integrating the arts with traditional academic subjects. Catherine's own illustrated prayer book stands as a testament to this synthesis, showcasing how creative expression can deepen personal understanding within learning.
Even within the convent walls later in her life, Catherine's intellectual curiosity remained vibrant. She continued to write, paint, and compose music, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to learning and creative exploration. Her story underscores the profound impact of a well-rounded, liberal arts early education in fostering a lasting love of knowledge and the ability to connect different fields of study and flourish in various contexts, a crucial aim in K-12 education.
Saint Catherine of Bologna, pray for us!
* To learn more about the liberal arts, click the following link to visit the website of the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education, a partner organization of Diocese of Lansing Schools: https://catholicliberaleducation.org/
