St. Catherine of Alexandria

St. Catherine of Alexandria was born of noble birth, in the third century. She had many privileges, she was very good in science and developed many theories. Catherine wasn't always Christian. She was converted by a vision of Our Lady and the Holy Child. From that day on Catherine had a very strong relationship with God.

Emperor Maximinus was persecuting Christians and when Catherine was only eighteen she went and saw him. She told him how unjust it was to be persecuting Christians for the belief they had. He hired fifty philosophers to make her change her mind. She would not change her mind; instead she ended up converting the philosophers to Christianity. They were then burned to death. He offered her a chance for Nobility, but Catherine declined. Then she was beaten and thrown into prison. Emperor Maximinus left the kingdom for a while. When he returned he found that his wife and officer and his 200 soldiers had been converted, they were all burned to death.

Catherine was summoned to death on the spiked wheel. After being placed on the wheel it broke. Then she was beheaded, a white milky substance flowed from her veins and she was carried by angels up to Mount Sinai.

St. Catherine was a devout Christian throughout her short life. There is a story saying that she ascended into heaven and is betrothed to Jesus Christ by the Virgin Mary. She was so pure and willing to die for what she believed in. St. Catherine is ranked with St. Barbara and St. Margaret as being one of the most helpful saint.

Her feast day is November 25, which is celebrated in Latin and Oriental churches. She is a martyr and a virgin. St. Catherine of Alexandria is included among the Fourteen Holy Helpers. She is the Patroness of Philosophers, Preachers, Maidens among many others. Adam of Saint-Victor wrote a poem devoted to St. Catherine.