Description
Saint Catherine of Alexandria — wisdom placed at the service of faith
Saint Catherine of Alexandria is honored as a virgin martyr and patron of philosophers, students, and scholars. Her cult is ancient and influential, although the detailed narrative of her debate with pagan philosophers and her martyrdom comes from later hagiographic tradition rather than contemporary records. The Church’s devotion emphasizes intellectual courage, consecrated faith, and fidelity under persecution.
Iconography and theological meaning
Catherine appears with a broken spiked wheel, a sword, and a lily. The wheel recalls the instrument associated with her attempted execution; the sword signifies martyrdom, while the lily represents virginity and integrity. Her composed bearing and halo show reason and courage ordered toward Christ, and the gold-toned field proclaims the martyr’s victory in God.
For prayer and Christian devotion
This icon is fitting for students, teachers, philosophers, lawyers, librarians, and women named Catherine. It supports prayer for intellectual honesty, clarity in defending the faith, purity of intention, and courage when conviction is tested.
Crafted on linden wood in Poland
The image is printed directly on a double-primed linden wood panel and finished with decorative gold-tone schlagmetal. Made to order in Poland, it includes a metal wall hanger and a certificate marked with the year of production.
