Blessed Catherine of Parc-aux-Dames

Blessed Catherine of Parc-aux-Dames (13th century, born in Leuven, modern-day Belgium) was a Catholic blessed, nun, mystic, and virgin. She was of Jewish origin and was originally named Rachel. A frequent guest in her parents' home was the chaplain to the Duke of Brabant, who engaged in religious discussions with her father. At the age of 12 (or 7), she ran away from home to the Cistercian convent at Parc-aux-Dames near Leuven. There, she was baptized and received the name Catherine, subsequently becoming a nun in the monastery. The convert became famous for the visions she experienced. Her liturgical memorial is celebrated on May 4.