St. Catherine of Alexandria – Martyr and Patron of Scholars

ST. CATHERINE OF ALEXANDRIA (MARTYR, VIRGIN)

St. Catherine of Alexandria was a virgin and martyr known for her wisdom, faith, and courage. She converted scholars and rulers to Christianity before being tortured and executed for refusing to renounce her faith. She is a patroness of philosophers, students, and unmarried women.

St. Catherine of Alexandria was born around 287 AD in Alexandria, Egypt, a major center of learning in the Roman Empire. She is believed to have been from a noble or royal family and received an excellent education, excelling in philosophy, rhetoric, and theology.

According to legend, Catherine converted to Christianity as a young woman and dedicated her life to Christ. When the Roman Emperor Maxentius (or Maximinus) began persecuting Christians, she bravely confronted him, urging him to stop. Instead of executing her immediately, the emperor brought in pagan philosophers to debate with her, hoping they would convince her to abandon her faith. However, Catherine defeated them in argument, and many were so inspired by her wisdom that they converted to Christianity.

Furious, the emperor ordered that she be imprisoned and tortured. While in prison, she converted the emperor’s wife and many soldiers, all of whom were later executed. The emperor then sentenced her to death by breaking wheel (a spiked torture device). However, when she touched the wheel, it miraculously shattered, leading to her final execution by beheading.

Her body is believed to have been miraculously transported by angels to Mount Sinai, where the Monastery of St. Catherine now stands. She has remained one of the most venerated early Christian martyrs, and her cult spread widely in both the Eastern and Western Churches.

St. Catherine was one of the voices heard by St. Joan of Arc, guiding her in her mission. She remains the patron saint of philosophers, students, and young unmarried women, and she is invoked for wisdom and protection against sudden death.

Feast Day

25-11-

Birth Date

--287

Died Date

25-11-305

Canonised Date

--

Monastery of St. Catherine, Mount Sinai, Egypt

"Saint Catherine of Alexandria, wise and courageous, guide me with your strength and faith. Help me to seek truth with clarity, and to stand firm in my beliefs. Intercede for me, that I may find wisdom in all my decisions and challenges. Through your example, may I grow in grace, and always strive to live with courage and conviction. Amen."
ST. CATHERINE OF ALEXANDRIA (MARTYR, VIRGIN)

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ST. CATHERINE OF ALEXANDRIA (MARTYR, VIRGIN)

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Credits & Acknowledgments

Anudina Visudhar (Malayalam) – Life of Saints for Everyday
by Msgr. Thomas Moothedan, M.A., D.D.
Saint Companions for Each Day
by A. J. M. Mausolfe & J. K. Mausolfe
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