A process for preparing a catalyst, comprising sequentially: (a) saturating a TiO.sub.2 support with aqueous ruthenium solution; (b) treating the ruthenium saturated TiO.sub.2 support with an aqueous base solution; and (c) curing the ruthenium saturated TiO.sub.2 to impregnate the TiO.sub.2 with ruthenium. Preferably, subsequent to step (c) the process comprises sequentially (d) washing the ruthenium impregnated TiO.sub.2 with water, (e) drying the washed ruthenium impregnated TiO.sub.2, and (f) heat treating the ruthenium impregnated TiO.sub.2 under reducing conditions at temperatures of 150-800.degree. C. A catalyst prepared by the process. A process for the production of 1,3-propanediol, comprising: (a) providing 3-hydroxypropanal and the catalyst, and (b) hydrogenating the 3-hydroxypropanal in the presence of the catalyst.