Saint Catherine of Alexandria
Saint of the Day for November 25
(d. c. 310)
Saint Catherine of Alexandria’s Story
According to the Legend of St. Catherine, this young woman converted to Christianity after receiving a vision. At the age of 18, she debated 50 pagan philosophers. Amazed at her wisdom and debating skills, they became Christiansas did about 200 soldiers and members of the emperors family. All of them were martyred.
Sentenced to be executed on a spiked wheel, Catherine touched the wheel and it shattered. She was beheaded. Centuries later, angels are said to have carried the body of Saint Catherine to a monastery at the foot of Mt. Sinai.
Devotion to her spread as a result of the Crusades. She was invoked as the patroness of students, teachers, librarians and lawyers. Catherine is one of the 14 Holy Helpers, venerated especially in Germany and Hungary.
Reflection
The pursuit of Gods wisdom may not lead to riches or earthly honors. In Catherines case, this pursuit contributed to her martyrdom. She was not, however, foolish in preferring to die for Jesus rather than live only by denying him. All the rewards that her tormentors offered her would rust, lose their beauty, or in some other way become a poor exchange for Catherines honesty and integrity in following Jesus Christ.
Saint Catherine of Alexandria is the Patron Saint of:
Lawyers
Librarians
Philosophers
Students
Teachers