Our Lord offered to her two crowns, one golden and one of thorns; she chose the thorns.

I was in Siena today, celebrating the Feast of Saint Catherine. Besides praying where she communicated with Our Lord, it is fascinating to see a whole city (in this case, a whole county, as Saint Catherine is the second patroness of Italy after Saint Francis of Assisi) devoted to a Saint. It gives a glimpse of what heaven will be: the rejoicing in the glory of the Saints, the indescribable joy of communion with the valiant ones who shone forth the light of Christ, the Crucified Love!

…she chose the thorns.