Catherine of Alexandria, virgin and martyr.

St. Catherine is a very popular saint, martyred at the beginning of the 4th century in Egypt, she is one of the three holy virgins (along with St. Barbara and St. Margaret) and the 14th saint of helpers in need. She is the patroness of theologians and philosophers.

Although the legends of her martyrdom contain many symbolic images, there is no doubt that behind them lies the life of a rare woman and an actual historical event. According to the Greek text Pasiio (narrative of the martyrdom) from the 6th century and Conversion (8th century), the young and beautiful Katerina came from an educated and noble family. In 307, the emperor Maxentius ordered grand pagan celebrations and sacrifices to the gods. Catherine refused to participate in them and even reproached the emperor for his folly: “Why do you want to bring this crowd into misery because of the cult of pagan gods? Learn to know God, the Creator of Jesus Christ, who freed humanity from hell with his cross.”

The monarch was not only surprised by this boldness, but also very touched and touched in the heart. He had orators and philosophers called to convince Catherine with their explanations. However, with her wisdom, the young Christian woman convicted them of the error, so many were even converted. She could not be persuaded to abandon her faith, even by generous marriage offers. That’s when the emperor had her beaten and put in prison. There, she was visited not only by the emperor’s wife, who also converted to the Christian faith, Jesus Christ appeared to her in a vision; Catherine’s soul since then belonged entirely to Him.

Because of the many conversions caused by Catherine’s wisdom, the emperor had her tortured on a wheel studded with nails, which, according to legend, broke during the torture, and therefore she was finally beheaded with a sword. The legend further states that the body of St. Catherine was transferred to Sinai, where a famous monastery dedicated to her name was founded. It still exists today and is visited by many pilgrims. St. Catherine is often depicted with her wheel pierced with nails or discussing with surprised philosophers. In the Franciscan monastery church in Jindřich Hradec, which is dedicated to St. Catherine, she is again depicted in a “mystical betrothal” to Jesus on the painting of the main altar, and her attribute – the executioner’s wheel – is not missing here either.

Her testimony and example make us realize a very important thing: we should strive for actual knowledge. However, the truth does not submit to the wishes of the powerful, nor do we have to arrive at it through mutual discussion, even if that is also necessary for a better understanding of it – see the conversion of the philosophers. Even education or professional studies, which we cannot underestimate, do not guarantee that we will understand things correctly. Wise is the man who can truthfully reveal the laws of this world, but he becomes a fool if he does not know the Creator of this world. And so far wiser is the one to whom the truth about God – and thus also about everything else – was revealed through the Holy Spirit. That is why St. Katerina is a shining example of Jesus’ words: “They will persecute you, deliver you to the synagogues for trial and prison, they will present you before kings and rulers for my name’s sake. This will give you an opportunity to testify. So take this to heart: Don’t prepare in advance how to defend yourself. For I will give you eloquence and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to resist or oppose.” (Lk 21, 12-15)