Beheaded

As we have been discussing the concept of women saints, I have been thinking about the images of relics within the Catholic church.  I have looked diligently at a number of images of catholic relics; however, none struck me as well as the image of Catherine of Siena.  This photograph of her head which rests in the Church of St. Dominic in Siena provides a powerful statement.  According to the source, the rest of her body is buried underneath of a Basilica in Rome.  Her head is on display for viewing pleasure, and is a frequented by tourists daily.  As we have learned, women saints were often faced with struggles in society; and there simply is not a lot of information about every woman saint.  With this being said, the display of Catherine of Siena's head sends a powerful message and has ensured her spot in history for years to come.  The fact that she is deemed a "relic" and is displayed for others to see suggests that the impact she has made on history is quit significant; not only for her own life, but also for all of women's historical studies.  Her head represents the respect in which she had obtained from the church community.  It rests in a protected cage within the church, and is laminated for all to see.  As a documented female saint, Catherine of Siena has set the standard for women's historical studies, and has contributed her legacy to all of history. 

Source: http://www.thecatholictravelguide.com/Siena.html