MRMM 44

St. Catherine of Alexandria was a legendary virgin and martyr of the early church. As a teenager, she received a vision of Jesus and Holy Mary, and converted to Christianity. She was a scholar, and debated the tenets of her faith with pagan scholars of her time. She was executed by Emperor Maxentius in his persecution of Christians in the early 4th century. Her most well known symbol is the breaking wheel, a torture device that Maxentius ordered used upon her, but which she touched and it miraculously fell to pieces before it could be used. She is also seen holding palm fronds, the symbol of martyrs. On the reverse of the medal is a spray of lilies. St. Catherine is the patron of students and unmarried girls.