November 25, 2013

Feast of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria

Santa Caterina d'Alessandria, ora pro nobis
November 25th is the Feast of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria (St. Catherine of Alexandria), Virgin and Martyr. One of the Fourteen Holy Helpers and Four Capital Virgins, she is, inter alia, the patron saint of millers, potters, mechanics, spinners, archivists, librarians and hat makers. Widely venerated across Southern Italy, she is also the patroness of Caprioli (SA), Santa Caternina (SA),  Melito (SA), Grammichele (CT), San Pietro Clarenza (CT), Santa Caterina (CT), San Pietro Clarenza (CT), Pedara (CT), Locri (RC), Mongrassano (CZ), Santa Caterina Albanese (CZ), Monteverde (AV), Santa Caterina dello Ionio (CZ), Santa Caterina di Nardò (LE), Santa Caterina Villarmosa (CL), Santa Maria a Toro (BN), and Viggianello (PZ), among others
In celebration, I'm posting a Prayer to St. Catherine of Alexandria. The accompanying photo of St. Catherine of Alexandria (c. 1650) from the workshop of Bernardo Cavallino was taken at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan. Evviva Santa Caterina!
Prayer to St. Catherine of Alexandria
Glorious Saint Catherine, virgin and martyr, help me to imitate your love of purity. Give me strength and courage in fighting off the temptations of the world and evil desires. Help me to love God with my whole heart and serve Him faithfully. O Saint Catherine, through your glorious martyrdom for the love of Christ, help me to be loyal to my faith and my God as long as I live.