November 25 2020 - St. Catherine of Alexandria - Sharing the faith with patience and love

 In the Gospel the Lord foretold how his followers would be seized, persecuted, brought before kings and imprisoned because of his name. This was certainly true for St. Catherine of Alexandria who was one of the most revered saints of the early Church and middle ages. That her feast is now an optional memorial would baffle our forebearers—in several dioceses in France her feast was observed as a Holy Day of Obligation, devotion to St. Catherine was so great. She is one of the 14 holy helpers whose intercession is sought especially during times of plagues.

The story of her martyrdom is still inspiring: the beautiful and wise Catherine of Alexandria had attracted the attention of the Emperor Maximiam. Having consecrated herself to Jesus, she refused the emperor’s advances. So the emperor sent his 50 wisest philosophers to convince Saint Catherine to change her mind. They however proved no match for Catherine’s superior intellect, and were so impressed with her that all 50 converted to Christ. Furious, the Emperor had her imprisoned, and whilst in prison, Catherine continued to convert members of the emperor’s family, including his wife, and many soldiers—over 200 converts—before she was condemned to martyrdom on a spiked-wheel. 

For her competency in explaining and sharing the faith, Catherine of Alexandria is invoked as Patron saint of Apologists, philosophers, scholars, students, theologians, and wheel-makers. 

The Old Mass for St. Catherine referred to a legend in which at the time of her death, angels carried her body aloft to Mt. Sinai, where God gave the law to Moses. During the middle ages, Christians would make pilgrimage to Sinai where a constant stream of healing oil was said to have flowed from Catherine’s relics. 

Tomorrow at the thanksgiving meal, we may find ourselves engaged in theological discussion, like St. Catherine, with those who do not share our faith. May we, like St. Catherine, always explain and share our faith competently and patiently, absolutely rooted in the truth of Christ and the love of Christ. As Augustine would say, “nothing conquers but truth, and the victory of truth is love.” Truth needs to be shared patiently and with understanding, even when it feels we are being tortured on spiked-wheel. 

May St. Catherine’s example guide us, and her heavenly intercession help us, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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May St. Catherine help all clergy and all catechists teach the truth with clarity and conviction and help us all share the faith patiently with non-believers.

May St. Catherine, heavenly helper and patron against plagues, help deliver us from the current plagues which afflict us. 

For peace and refreshment to all who prepare to gather for the Thanksgiving Holiday, bring safety to travelers, and protection from all disease.

For comfort to the sick and suffering, charity and care to the destitute and down-trodden, and courage to the fearful. 

That the Lord welcome into his kingdom all the faithful departed, especially members of our families, friends, and parish, all clergy and religious, and N. for whom this mass is offered.

O God, you know that our life in this present age is subject to suffering and need, hear the prayers of those who cry to you and receive the prayers of those who believe in you. Through Christ our Lord.