AtonementOnline: St. Catherine of Alexandria

25 November 2011

St. Catherine of Alexandria

Born in about 282 AD, St. Catherine of Alexandria -- who could just as well be called St. Catherine the Brilliant -- converted to the Christian faith at an early age. When she was only eighteen, she engaged in a debate with fifty pagan philosophers. Her wisdom and her skill as a debater were so great that all of them became Christians, along with about two hundred soldiers as well as many members of the emperor's family.

In about 305 AD, Catherine was sentenced to death, which would take place in a particularly barbaric way, on a spiked wheel. The moment Catherine touched the wheel, it broke into pieces, so she was beheaded.

Almighty and everlasting God, who didst enkindle the flame of thy love in the heart of thy holy martyr St. Catherine of Alexandria: Grant to us, thy humble servants, a like faith and power of love, that we who rejoice in her triumph may profit by her example; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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"With all my heart, I bless you and your people..."

In 1983 I was a newly-ordained priest. In November of that year, it was my privilege to be in Rome to take part in developing The Book of Divine Worship. During that time an invitation was extended to celebrate Mass with His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, in his private chapel. After we had said Mass, and in those few moments I had with the Holy Father, he told me that he remembered considering the request for my ordination, and he described how he came to an affirmative decision. For me, our brief conversation was an experience which will be treasured forever. At the conclusion of our time together, I asked him if I could take his blessing back to the people of my parish. His very simple words remain precious to me: "With all my heart, I bless you and your people." He then embraced me, and I knew that I was forever "home in my Father's house."