St Catherine of Alexandria

Word for the day

“Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you.” 1 Peter 3:15

Life

Catherine has been honoured since at least the eighth or ninth century, especially in the East, as a learned young woman of Alexandria in Egypt who died as a martyr in the early fourth century. Her story, however, comes to us through later accounts with many legendary features, and historians cannot confirm its details. For this reason her memorial was removed from the General Roman Calendar in 1969; it was restored as an optional memorial in 2002.

According to the tradition, Catherine was of noble birth and highly educated. When the emperor persecuted Christians, she rebuked him and defended the faith so wisely that fifty philosophers summoned to refute her were converted instead, and were themselves martyred.

The tradition continues that she was condemned to be broken on a spiked wheel, which shattered when she touched it, and that she was then beheaded. Her body was said to have been carried by angels to Mount Sinai, where the ancient monastery bearing her name still stands. She was one of the saints whose voices St Joan of Arc said she heard.

Lessons

Learning in the service of faith

Catherine is a model for students: knowledge can serve the truth of Christ.

Courage to speak

She defended the faith before the powerful with gentleness and clarity.

Honesty about sources

The Church honours her while saying plainly that much of her story is legend: devotion does not need exaggeration.

Stories

Fifty philosophers (legend)

The tradition says the emperor gathered fifty philosophers to defeat Catherine in debate, but her arguments led them to faith in Christ.

The Catherine wheel (legend)

The spiked wheel that, according to the legend, broke at her touch gave its name to the spinning firework called a Catherine wheel.

Homily

1. Ready to give an account

Always be ready to make your defence for the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15). Catherine is remembered for answering with wisdom.

2. Study in the service of faith

Students and teachers: knowledge can serve the truth of Christ.

3. Honest about the story

The Church honours her while saying plainly that much is legend; faith does not need exaggeration.

Dear friends, St Catherine of Alexandria has been loved for over a thousand years, especially in the East, as a young woman who defended the faith with wisdom before the powerful. The Church tells us honestly that most details of her story are legendary. That honesty is itself a lesson: our faith rests on Christ, not on exaggerated tales.

What remains is a true calling for every Christian: always be ready to make your defence to anyone who asks you for the reason of the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). Catherine is remembered as one who did exactly that.

Students, she is your patron. Study well; learn your faith as seriously as your subjects; and when someone questions your belief, answer calmly and kindly. Let us pray today for all students and teachers. Amen.

Prayer

Almighty God, you gave St Catherine of Alexandria wisdom and courage to confess your Son. Through her prayers, give students and teachers a love of truth and the strength to bear witness to Christ. Amen.