Catherine, Saint [key], 4th cent.?, Alexandrian virgin martyr. Nothing certain is known of her life, and in 1969 her name was dropped from the liturgical calendar. According to tradition she was learned. She was condemned to die on the wheel and was saved by a miracle, but was later beheaded. Her principal shrine is the great monastery of Mt. Sinai. Attributes: sword, crown, palm, wheel, and book. The marriage of St. Catherine to Christ, a popular Renaissance subject, represents symbolically the dedication of her virginity. Feast: Nov. 25.
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