About St. Catherine of Alexandria
St. Catherine of Alexandria is one of the most famous virgin martyrs of the early Church. According to ancient Christian tradition, she lived in Alexandria, Egypt, during the early fourth century, at the time of the persecution under Emperor Maxentius.
Renowned for her exceptional intelligence and learning, Catherine embraced the Christian faith at a young age. When the emperor demanded sacrifices to pagan gods, she courageously defended Christianity before him. Tradition holds that she successfully debated fifty pagan philosophers, many of whom were so convinced by her arguments that they embraced the Christian faith.
Because of her steadfast witness, St. Catherine was imprisoned, tortured, and eventually condemned to death. According to tradition, the torture wheel prepared for her execution miraculously broke apart when she touched it. She was then beheaded for her faith. Christian tradition also tells that angels carried her body to Mount Sinai, where the famous Monastery of St. Catherine was later established and remains one of the world’s oldest continuously operating Christian monasteries.
Although many details of her life come from ancient tradition rather than contemporary historical records, St. Catherine has been honored in both the Eastern and Western Churches for centuries as a model of wisdom, purity, and unwavering fidelity to Christ.
Her feast day is celebrated on November 25.
Who was St. Catherine of Alexandria?
St. Catherine of Alexandria was an early Christian virgin and martyr who courageously defended the Catholic faith before pagan rulers. She is remembered for her remarkable wisdom, purity, and steadfast love for Christ.
What is St. Catherine of Alexandria the patron saint of?
She is the patron saint of students, teachers, philosophers, apologists, preachers, librarians, young women, and those working in education and learning.
What can I pray for in the St. Catherine of Alexandria Novena?
You can pray for wisdom, purity, courage, success in studies, guidance in difficult decisions, strength to defend the faith, perseverance through trials, and any personal intention.
When should I pray the St. Catherine of Alexandria Novena?
The novena may be prayed at any time during the year. Many Catholics begin it on November 16 in preparation for her feast day on November 25.
Why is St. Catherine associated with the wheel?
According to Christian tradition, the wheel prepared to torture St. Catherine miraculously broke apart before it could harm her. Because of this, the Catherine Wheel became her most recognizable symbol in Christian art.
What is St. Catherine’s connection to Mount Sinai?
Tradition holds that after her martyrdom, angels carried her body to Mount Sinai. The famous Monastery of St. Catherine, one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world, was later built there and remains an important pilgrimage site.
Is St. Catherine of Alexandria recognized by both the Catholic and Orthodox Churches?
Yes. St. Catherine of Alexandria is venerated in the Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and several Oriental Orthodox Churches, making her one of the most widely honored saints of Christianity.
Why is St. Catherine of Alexandria still important today?
St. Catherine reminds us that faith and reason work together. Her example encourages Christians to seek truth with humility, defend the Gospel with charity and wisdom, remain pure in heart, and trust God in every trial.
How long is the St. Catherine of Alexandria Novena?
The novena is prayed over nine consecutive days, asking God to grant special graces through the intercession of St. Catherine of Alexandria.
| Novena Begins: | November 16 |
| Feast Day: | November 25 |
Day 1 – St. Catherine of Alexandria Novena Prayer
Let us begin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious St. Catherine of Alexandria, virgin and martyr, resplendent in the radiance of wisdom and purity, your wisdom confounded the adversaries of divine truth, and your spotless purity made you a worthy spouse of Christ. After your glorious martyrdom, the angels carried your body to Mount Sinai, where your witness continues to inspire the faithful.
Obtain for us the grace to grow in the wisdom of the saints and in the virtue of holy purity. Help us to remain steadfast in the truth of the Gospel, to overcome the enemies of our souls, and to persevere faithfully through every trial. May we be victorious in our final struggle and, at the hour of our death, be welcomed by the angels into the everlasting joy of heaven.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Catherine of Alexandria, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 2 – St. Catherine of Alexandria Novena Prayer
Let us begin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious St. Catherine of Alexandria, virgin and martyr, resplendent in the radiance of wisdom and purity, your wisdom confounded the adversaries of divine truth, and your spotless purity made you a worthy spouse of Christ. After your glorious martyrdom, the angels carried your body to Mount Sinai, where your witness continues to inspire the faithful.
Obtain for us the grace to grow in the wisdom of the saints and in the virtue of holy purity. Help us to remain steadfast in the truth of the Gospel, to overcome the enemies of our souls, and to persevere faithfully through every trial. May we be victorious in our final struggle and, at the hour of our death, be welcomed by the angels into the everlasting joy of heaven.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Catherine of Alexandria, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 3 – St. Catherine of Alexandria Novena Prayer
Let us begin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious St. Catherine of Alexandria, virgin and martyr, resplendent in the radiance of wisdom and purity, your wisdom confounded the adversaries of divine truth, and your spotless purity made you a worthy spouse of Christ. After your glorious martyrdom, the angels carried your body to Mount Sinai, where your witness continues to inspire the faithful.
Obtain for us the grace to grow in the wisdom of the saints and in the virtue of holy purity. Help us to remain steadfast in the truth of the Gospel, to overcome the enemies of our souls, and to persevere faithfully through every trial. May we be victorious in our final struggle and, at the hour of our death, be welcomed by the angels into the everlasting joy of heaven.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Catherine of Alexandria, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 4 – St. Catherine of Alexandria Novena Prayer
Let us begin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious St. Catherine of Alexandria, virgin and martyr, resplendent in the radiance of wisdom and purity, your wisdom confounded the adversaries of divine truth, and your spotless purity made you a worthy spouse of Christ. After your glorious martyrdom, the angels carried your body to Mount Sinai, where your witness continues to inspire the faithful.
Obtain for us the grace to grow in the wisdom of the saints and in the virtue of holy purity. Help us to remain steadfast in the truth of the Gospel, to overcome the enemies of our souls, and to persevere faithfully through every trial. May we be victorious in our final struggle and, at the hour of our death, be welcomed by the angels into the everlasting joy of heaven.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Catherine of Alexandria, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 5 – St. Catherine of Alexandria Novena Prayer
Let us begin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious St. Catherine of Alexandria, virgin and martyr, resplendent in the radiance of wisdom and purity, your wisdom confounded the adversaries of divine truth, and your spotless purity made you a worthy spouse of Christ. After your glorious martyrdom, the angels carried your body to Mount Sinai, where your witness continues to inspire the faithful.
Obtain for us the grace to grow in the wisdom of the saints and in the virtue of holy purity. Help us to remain steadfast in the truth of the Gospel, to overcome the enemies of our souls, and to persevere faithfully through every trial. May we be victorious in our final struggle and, at the hour of our death, be welcomed by the angels into the everlasting joy of heaven.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Catherine of Alexandria, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 6 – St. Catherine of Alexandria Novena Prayer
Let us begin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious St. Catherine of Alexandria, virgin and martyr, resplendent in the radiance of wisdom and purity, your wisdom confounded the adversaries of divine truth, and your spotless purity made you a worthy spouse of Christ. After your glorious martyrdom, the angels carried your body to Mount Sinai, where your witness continues to inspire the faithful.
Obtain for us the grace to grow in the wisdom of the saints and in the virtue of holy purity. Help us to remain steadfast in the truth of the Gospel, to overcome the enemies of our souls, and to persevere faithfully through every trial. May we be victorious in our final struggle and, at the hour of our death, be welcomed by the angels into the everlasting joy of heaven.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Catherine of Alexandria, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 7 – St. Catherine of Alexandria Novena Prayer
Let us begin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious St. Catherine of Alexandria, virgin and martyr, resplendent in the radiance of wisdom and purity, your wisdom confounded the adversaries of divine truth, and your spotless purity made you a worthy spouse of Christ. After your glorious martyrdom, the angels carried your body to Mount Sinai, where your witness continues to inspire the faithful.
Obtain for us the grace to grow in the wisdom of the saints and in the virtue of holy purity. Help us to remain steadfast in the truth of the Gospel, to overcome the enemies of our souls, and to persevere faithfully through every trial. May we be victorious in our final struggle and, at the hour of our death, be welcomed by the angels into the everlasting joy of heaven.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Catherine of Alexandria, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 8 – St. Catherine of Alexandria Novena Prayer
Let us begin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious St. Catherine of Alexandria, virgin and martyr, resplendent in the radiance of wisdom and purity, your wisdom confounded the adversaries of divine truth, and your spotless purity made you a worthy spouse of Christ. After your glorious martyrdom, the angels carried your body to Mount Sinai, where your witness continues to inspire the faithful.
Obtain for us the grace to grow in the wisdom of the saints and in the virtue of holy purity. Help us to remain steadfast in the truth of the Gospel, to overcome the enemies of our souls, and to persevere faithfully through every trial. May we be victorious in our final struggle and, at the hour of our death, be welcomed by the angels into the everlasting joy of heaven.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Catherine of Alexandria, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 9 – St. Catherine of Alexandria Novena Prayer
Let us begin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious St. Catherine of Alexandria, virgin and martyr, resplendent in the radiance of wisdom and purity, your wisdom confounded the adversaries of divine truth, and your spotless purity made you a worthy spouse of Christ. After your glorious martyrdom, the angels carried your body to Mount Sinai, where your witness continues to inspire the faithful.
Obtain for us the grace to grow in the wisdom of the saints and in the virtue of holy purity. Help us to remain steadfast in the truth of the Gospel, to overcome the enemies of our souls, and to persevere faithfully through every trial. May we be victorious in our final struggle and, at the hour of our death, be welcomed by the angels into the everlasting joy of heaven.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Catherine of Alexandria, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Leave us your prayers…