Today we celebrate one of the most revered Saints of the early
Church and middle ages: St. Catherine of Alexandria. That her feast is now an
optional memorial would baffle our forebearers, as she was one of the fourteen
holy helpers and is invoked as patron saint Against sudden death and diseases
of the tongue; patron of philosophers, theologians, maidens, female students,
preachers, the dying, wheelwrights, mechanics, potters, and other artisans who
work with wheels; invoked by students, orators, preachers, and lawyers for wise
counsel and for eloquence.
Catherine was the daughter of the governor of Alexandria during the reign of
emperor Maximian at the end of the 3rd century. Alexandria at the time was a great center of
learning, and Catherine devoted herself to study from a young age. Around the
age of 14, she converted to Christ and consecrated herself to Our Lord.
At the age of 18, 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. The philosophers however proved no match for Catherine’s superior
intellect, in fact, Catherine’s defense of Christianity and her passion for the
Lord were so persuasive, that she converted all 50 to Christ.
Furious, the Emperor had her imprisoned, but while in
prison, Catherine continued to convert members of the emperor’s family and many
soldiers—over 200 converts—before she was condemned to martyrdom on a
spiked-wheel.
In the Gospel we hear the Lord teach his followers, “Do not
be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” Catherine
believed in the importance of remaining true to Christ, not only for herself,
but for others. She used her intellectual gifts to persuade hundreds of people
to open their minds and heart to Jesus.
Catherine cultivated her mind through study, and cultivated
love for Jesus through prayer and charity. And when the time came for her to
witness, she was ready.
Much of our culture now is aimed at entertainment rather
than the true cultivation of the soul. So Catholics need to take seriously
education, study, prayer, and charity all the more. Each of us has so much
potential, we must turn away from the distractions of the world, so that we can
become the instruments God made us to be. May St. Catherine inspire and assist
us that we may grow in faith, hope, and love for the glory of God and the
salvation of souls.
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For the Church, that like St. Catherine, she may
courageously proclaim the truth of the Gospel, even in the face of opposition
and adversity. Let us pray to the Lord.
For educators, philosophers, theologians, and students, that
through the intercession of St. Catherine, they may pursue wisdom and use their
gifts to glorify God and serve others. Let us pray to the Lord.
For those who suffer persecution for their faith, that they
may find strength in the example of the martyrs and trust in God’s promise of
eternal life. Let us pray to the Lord.
For young people, especially those discerning their
vocation, that they may find inspiration in the saints’ dedication to Christ
and the courage to follow His call. Let us pray to the Lord.
For those who work with their hands—mechanics, potters,
artisans, and wheelwrights—that through the intercession of St. Catherine, they
may see their labor as a way to serve God and others. Let us pray to the Lord.
For all of us, that we may turn away from worldly
distractions and grow in study, prayer, and charity, becoming instruments of
God’s grace for His glory and the salvation of souls.
For the sick, the dying, and all who suffer sudden or
serious illness, that through the intercession of St. Catherine and the Holy
Helpers, they may find healing, peace, and hope in the Lord. Let us pray to the
Lord.
During this month of November, we continue to pray for all
who have died, for the deceased members of our families, friends, parish, and
benefactors, ethat they may share in the eternal glory of heaven, especially
N. Let us pray to the Lord.
Almighty and eternal God, you gave St. Catherine of
Alexandria wisdom and courage to defend the faith and witness to your love.
Hear our prayers and grant us the grace to grow in faith, hope, and love, so
that we too may glorify you in all that we do. We ask this through Christ our
Lord.
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