In ancient Alexandria, at a time when Christians allowed themselves to be overcome with tepidity and excessive tolerance of pagan idolatry, God raised up St. Catherine to revive their Catholic fervour with her inner light and burning zeal.
Her words, her example and her glorious martyrdom converted many who, perhaps, would not otherwise have been saved.
We must pray, asking that, when circumstances arise in which we have to face risks, or perhaps even lose our lives in the fight against the adversaries of the Holy Church, we maintain that same serenity which only grace gives in the face of death.
And that at every moment of our life we may have, in the face of risk, that same calm, until making the extreme sacrifice, if such be the will of Our Lady.
