So why does everyone think Catherine is in the Bible? Because her name feels so classic, so sacred, that it’s hard to believe it’s not there. It’s like assuming “Grace” or “Faith” must be in there somewhere—and they are! But Catherine? Nope.
The Twelve Apostles: Devotional Narratives of Jesus’ Closest Disciples
This makes her a kind of ghost in the biblical machine. She’s so famous in Christian tradition—patron saint of philosophers, students, and wheel-makers—that she feels biblical. But the Bible doors were just a little too narrow for her story.
It’s a little like how Robin Hood isn’t in the history books, but everyone knows his name. Catherine’s legend grew so big, it almost feels like she should be in the table of contents.
Let’s Talk About That Wheel
You’ve probably seen the “Catherine wheel” firework or the spoked window in old churches. That comes from her legend. According to the story, the emperor tried to kill her on a spiked breaking wheel. But the wheel exploded when she touched it. So, she didn’t die on it—it broke instead.
She was eventually beheaded, but that exploding wheel part? That’s the stuff of superhero movies. She literally survived a medieval torture device by having it fall apart. If that doesn’t make you want to learn more about her, what will?
26 Heartfelt Prayers to St. Catherine of Siena – St. Michael’s Parish
