Photo by Rebecca Zenefski Slater ’10
On November 24, the ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ community will gather to honor University namesake Saint Catherine of Alexandria — and mark the start of the holiday season at ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ Kate’s.
According to Catholic tradition, ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ Catherine is a composite figure representing several extraordinary women of Alexandria who defied Roman authority and were martyred for their Christian faith. Today, she serves as the patron saint of students, philosophers, and scholars. By venerating ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ Catherine during the annual campus celebration of her feast day, we honor both the strong figure chosen by the Sisters of ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ Joseph of Carondelet as the University’s namesake and the women she represents.
The Feast of Saint Catherine brings together the community to honor Saint Catherine’s legacy and experience the beautiful moment when the campus is illuminated with festive holiday lights. This year’s event will start with a reception in the Coeur de Catherine featuring heavy appetizers (with kosher and halal offerings), and then move to an evening prayer service in Our Lady of Victory Chapel that welcomes all faiths. The service will include prayer, song, and lighting the chapel with candles. ASL interpreting will also be included.
Feast of Saint Catherine
Monday, November 24
Reception: 4–5:30 p.m (Coeur de Catherine, 2nd-floor atrium)
Prayer Service: 5:30–6:15 p.m. (Our Lady of Victory Chapel)