Martyrs: Saint Catherine of Alexandria the Virgin Bride

Saint Podcast

Episode seven is about an Egyptian queen. She’s noted for being the brightest mind of her generation and is therefore the patron saint of scholars, students, lawyers, educators, librarians, philosophers, and theologians. This saint’s icon is a spiked wheel, the implement of torture her tormentor, the Roman Emperor, attempted - unsuccessfully - to inflict upon her. Her legend has inspired dating customs involving elaborate hats, moved the poet Emily Dickinson, and engendered a Baltic winter festival. She’s also one of a handful of saints who were married to Jesus Christ. Her wedding was presided over by a figure the angels declared to be 'the Empress of Hell'. This is the story of Saint Catherine of Alexandria the Virgin Bride.