Every November 25th the Catholic Church celebrates Saint Catherine of Alexandria, martyr of the first centuries of the Christian era (born at the end of the 3rd century). She is considered the patroness of philosophers, students, unmarried women and professions related to the use of the wheel. This also applies to nurses and preachers.
Tradition remembers his words before giving his life in martyrdom: “Lord Jesus, please listen to me and all those who at the hour of death, remembering my martyrdom, invoke your name!”
Catherine lived in the 4th century, but it was only two centuries after her death that her cult spread throughout Europe, becoming very popular.
Seek the truth
Saint Catherine of Alexandria was born in Egypt, to a noble family, around the year 290. She was the daughter of King Costus and from a very young age she stood out for her intelligence. Given her status as a princess, she received a careful education and thanks to her skill and intuition she came to compete with philosophers and poets.
His conversion to Christianity began with a dream in which Jesus appeared to him, after which he became interested in Christian doctrine. From then on, both his mind and heart were transformed; Catalina asked for baptism and wanted to consecrate
The truth against imperial power
In the year 310, the Roman emperor Maxentius visited Alexandria, the city where the saint lived, to preside over ceremonies dedicated to the gods. Once the celebrations began, the emperor ordered sacrifices to be offered according to custom.
When it was her turn to present her offering, Catherine refused to do so and instead of venerating the gods she crossed herself before the emperor. He, enraged, sent for her. Once brought into her presence, Maxentius questioned her behavior. Catalina then challenged him to argue about the true God.
Such was the strength of the saint’s words that the emperor was struck by her wisdom and beauty. So, she sent for a group of wise men to discuss with her. When the confrontation took place, Catherine not only managed to overcome the teachers’ questions, but argued with such excellence about God that they also decided to embrace the wisdom that the saint possessed. Like many others who had dealings with Catherine, these men became Christians. The emperor, having learned of what had happened, ordered them to be executed.
Christ makes his way into hearts
Subsequently, Maxentius, to give Catherine one last chance, proposed that she be one of the handmaids accompanying the empress. The saint refused the offer, so she was whipped and then locked in an underground prison, without food.
The emperor’s wife, moved, came to visit her in her cell in the company of one of Maxentius’ generals, Porphyry, to bring her encouragement and comfort. They witnessed the appearance of angels who accompanied and healed Catalina’s wounds. The young woman explains that this comes from God, who is always compassionate and merciful; He spoke to them about Christ and they converted their hearts to the Lord.
Martyrdom
The emperor took the incident as the greatest affront and ordered Catherine to be tortured. A group of soldiers built a device featuring a wheel with nails and blades. When they captured Catalina, she prayed to the Lord and the mechanism fell apart, killing some of those present.
Then, to ensure that the saint died, beheading was prepared. The blow of the executioner’s sword instantly severed his head. Tradition says that Catherine’s remains were not desecrated because some angels took them to Mount Sinai (today they are venerated in that place).
Patronazgos
To the patronages already mentioned are added those of ‘patron saint of apologists’; the ’artisans’ who use wheels in their work, such as potters, spinners, millers; as well as archivists; lawyers; jurists; librarians. Due to the youth with which she was led to martyrdom and the resistance shown during it, she is the patroness of people about to die. Because of her rhetorical ability and intuition as a young woman, she is the patron saint of educators, young single women, students, and teachers. Due to the iconographic tradition that represents it, it is also associated with professions in which sharp or metal tools are used: sharpening knives; mechanics; turners; stenographers and secretaries.
In Spain she is patron of the Royal University of Toledo. In Latin America she is the patroness of cities and towns in Colombia, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Panama.
If you want to know more about the life of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, we recommend this article by Catholic Encyclopedia: https://ec.aciprensa.com/wiki/Santa_Catalina_de_Alejandr%C3%ADa.
Central editorial
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How has the legacy of Saint Catherine of Alexandria influenced modern views on women’s roles in the church?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Saint Catherine of Alexandria Expert
Editor: Good day, and welcome to Time.news. Today, we’re exploring the fascinating life and legacy of Saint Catherine of Alexandria. Joining us is Dr. Elena Rodriguez, a historian specializing in early Christianity and the lives of saints. Thank you for being with us today, Dr. Rodriguez!
Dr. Rodriguez: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to share insights about Saint Catherine.
Editor: Let’s begin at the start. Can you tell us a bit about Catherine’s early life in Egypt?
Dr. Rodriguez: Absolutely. Saint Catherine was born around the year 290 to a noble family in Alexandria. Her father was King Costus, which meant she received a well-rounded education. From a young age, she was exceptionally intelligent, able to engage in discussions with philosophers and poets of her time.
Editor: A princess with a thirst for knowledge! How did her journey into Christianity begin?
Dr. Rodriguez: That’s a pivotal moment in her story. According to tradition, Catherine experienced a profound dream in which Jesus appeared to her. This experience sparked her interest in Christian doctrine, leading to her baptism. She felt a deep calling to consecrate her life to Christ, which reflects her passionate pursuit of truth.
Editor: Speaking of truth, I understand her confrontation with Emperor Maxentius was quite dramatic. What happened there?
Dr. Rodriguez: It was indeed significant. In 310, during a festival dedicated to pagan gods, Catherine boldly refused to offer sacrifices. Instead, she publicly crossed herself in front of the emperor, which enraged him. Maxentius, intrigued by her strength, summoned her for a debate on the existence of the true God. To his surprise, she not only held her own against a group of scholars but also managed to convert them to Christianity!
Editor: That takes incredible courage! How did the emperor react to such an embarrassment?
Dr. Rodriguez: He was furious, of course. Maxentius ordered the execution of those who converted because of her. He offered Catherine some opportunities to escape punishment—such as becoming a handmaid to the empress—but she steadfastly refused, remaining true to her faith.
Editor: It’s impressive how steadfast she was. Her imprisonment must have been harrowing.
Dr. Rodriguez: Yes, it was. After refusing the emperor’s offer, she was tortured and imprisoned without food. Interestingly, during her time in confinement, angels are said to have visited her, healing her wounds. This encounter also moved the emperor’s wife and a general, leading to their conversion, reinforcing the idea of Catherine’s profound spiritual impact.
Editor: Ultimately, she faced martyrdom, didn’t she? Can you talk about how she died?
Dr. Rodriguez: Tragically, yes. After various tortures, including a cruel device meant to kill her—known as the “breaking wheel”—Catherine prayed and, according to tradition, the wheel broke apart, causing harm to those present. Eventually, she was beheaded, and her remains were reportedly taken by angels to Mount Sinai, where they are revered to this day.
Editor: Her legend really shows the interplay of faith and resilience in dire circumstances. What is she the patron saint of, and why do you think her influence has endured for centuries?
Dr. Rodriguez: Catherine is known as the patroness of philosophers, students, unmarried women, and various professions linked to wheels, such as potters and lawyers. Her legacy endures because she embodies the pursuit of knowledge, truth, and the willingness to stand up against oppression. People identify with her courage, seeking inspiration in their own struggles.
Editor: You paint a remarkable picture of an extraordinary woman. As we approach her feast day on November 25th, how can people honor her memory today?
Dr. Rodriguez: People can honor Saint Catherine by embracing education, standing for their convictions, and supporting those who fight for justice. Additionally, many celebrate her through community prayers and reflections, reminding us of the power of faith in our lives.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Rodriguez, for your enriching insights into the life of Saint Catherine of Alexandria. Your expertise brings to life the profound impact she has had throughout history.
Dr. Rodriguez: Thank you for the opportunity to share her story! It’s been a pleasure.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for joining us today. We hope you learned something new about this remarkable figure in Christian history. Until next time!