"HE COULDN'T UNDERSTAND WHY SHE WOULDN'T BE ATTRACTED TO THIS BLOOD-THIRSTY MONSTER"

See the video below by Sensus Fidelium for a wonderful sermon on St Catherine of Alexandria. She was born in the year 290 and was astonishingly smart and scholarly. Catherine became one of the foremost experts on Christian apologetics in her day, she even challenged the emperor who was leading the charge against her fellow Christians. As you will find out, she caused the emperor some embarrassment, after which he had her scourged. Not withstanding his cruel persecution of her, he thought she would marry him! But shock, horror, she turned down his proposal. Blood-thirsty tyrants didn't hold much appeal for her. 

Catherine is one of the 14 Holy Helpers and is patroness of philosophy. Anyone who wants to grow in wisdom need ask her prayers. I'm asking her to inspire me as much as possible. 

* * *

Classic Painting of St Catherine was executed by Carlo Crivelli.