Who chooses whom?

It’s a question I have puzzled over for a while now. So many people’s confirmation saints seem to be perfect for them, so did they pick the saint or did the saint pick them?

When I was confirmed, a million and one years ago, there was only the slightest glimmer of the loud, strident Catholic I would become in the little girl that I was. Yet when I looked at books of the saints, St Catherine of Alexandria seemed to be everywhere. I can remember being drawn to her story of bravery and martyrdom and was certain almost from the moment I first read of her that she was the girl for me!

For those who may not know the story of this wonderful saint, here’s a bit about her from Catholic Encyclopedia:

Learned in science and oratory. Converted to Christianity after receiving a vision. When she was 18 years old, during the persecution of Maximus, she offered to debate the pagan philosophers. Many were converted by her arguments, and immediately martyred. Maximus had her scourged and imprisoned. The empress and the leader of Maximus’ army were amazed by the stories, went to see Catherine in prison. They converted and were martyred. Maximus ordered her broken on the wheel, but she touched it and the wheel was destroyed. She was beheaded, and her body whisked away by angels.

Immensely popular during the Middle Ages, there were many chapels and churches devoted to her throughout western Europe, and she was reported as one of the divine advisors to Saint Joan of Arc. Her reputation for learning and wisdom led to her patronage of libaries, librarians, teachers, archivists, and anyone associated with wisdom or teaching. Her debating skill and persuasive language has led to her patronage of lawyers. And her torture on the wheel led to those who work with them asking for her intercession. One of the Fourteen Holy Helpers.

Those who know me well are probably nodding their heads at this point. Stubborn, head-strong, devout, sure of herself….yes, we see the resemblance. Okay, so back to the original query, did I choose her because she was what I hoped to become, the template I chose for myself , or was she hanging out in Heaven watching and decide “I’ll take the little one with the big mouth and all the opinions”? I’d like to think that she chose me. I’d like for her to have seen a little interesting glimmer that she knew could be helped by her quiet intercession. She likes brash and sassy girls; she was one of the saints who kept appearing to St Joan of Arc.

Now I’m not ready to go off charging into battle waving my flag and sounding the ‘Charge!’, but I’m not willing to give ground on very much either. Especially when I know that I am right. I’ve planted my flag with my Lord and the only church He founded, with my family , and with my country ….and like my lovely patroness, I will not back down I will not surrender and I will not give in.