Saint Catherine

Saint Catherine

Catherine of Alexandria - although now it is assumed that her existence is fictitious - lived in the third century AD as a consecrated virgin in Alexandria and had to die for her faith. Catherine of Siena was a mystical and consecrated virgin who lived in Italy in the 14th century and is now venerated as the patron saint of Italy and Europe. Saint Catherine of Genoa, who had mystical experiences in the 15th century, could perhaps one day be named as the fourth teacher of the Church. Saint Catherine - this is certain - each of them occupies a very special place among the saints. Learn more about the history of the extraordinary saints who bear the significant name of Saint Catherine here.

Saint Catherine of Alexandria

The majority of historians are now convinced that Saint Catherine of Alexandria is an invented figure. Perhaps the legend of the consecrated virgin comes from the history of the pagan Hypatia of Alexandria. The lack of evidence of her historical existence does not take anything away from the veneration of St. Catherine of Alexandria. Legend has it that Catherine was the daughter of Costus and Sabinella, a royal pagan couple from Cyprus. Around 300 A.D. a hermit convinced the young woman of Christian faith, who under the Emperor Maxentius was punished with death. Catherine tried to convert the emperor, who sent 50 scholars to convince the woman of pagan teachings. But Catherine converted all fifty scholars, as well as the emperor's wife. In the end she was tortured to death. While the virgin was broken, an angel appeared, 4000 pagans died and Catherine was finally beheaded. Even today it is said that Catherine gave protection to wives, virgins, scholars, numerous professions, but also hospitals and universities. It is possible to recognize a statue or a wooden figure of Saint Catherine of Alexandria from the representation of the saint with a wheel, a cross and a book.

Saint Catherine of Siena

Catherine di Siena lived in Italy from 1347 to 1380 as a consecrated virgin. In 1376 Pope Gregory XI convinced her to return to Rome. Only twelve years later she prevented a schism with a peace proposal. Since 1939 Catherine of Siena is venerated as patroness of Italy and since 1999 as patroness of Europe. From the age of seven, Catherine had visions in which she saw Jesus Christ. The girl lived ascetically, scourged herself and withdrew more and more. Against the will of her family, who wanted to marry Katharina, the mystic became part of the Order of the Mantellatini, which she left again after a vision in which she married Jesus Christ, to preach in public. Eventually her stigmatization occurred before St. Catherine died seriously ill in 1380. St. Catherine of Siena can be recognized among other things by the attributes lily, book and crown of thorns. She is invoked to prevent fires, relieve headaches and protect against the plague.

Catherine di Genova

Catherine di Genova was born in 1447 and died in 1510, the holy and mystical Italian saint bore the civil name of Catherine Fieschi Adorno. After an ecstasy, Catherine turned her back on worldly life and her husband joined the Franciscan community. After the death of her husband, Catherine joined the Third Order of St. Francis and wrote several mystical works that inspired her during her ecstasies. In particular, her treatise on purgatory is still much admired today.