St.
Bibiana, Virgin and Martyr (Feast day - December 2nd) Other than the name, nothing is known for
certain about this saint. However, we have the following account from a later tradition.
In the year 363, Julian the
Apostate made Apronianus Governor of Rome. St. Bibiana suffered in the persecution started by him.
She was the daughter of Christians, Flavian, a Roman knight, and Dafrosa, his wife. Flavian was
tortured and sent into exile, where he died of his wounds. Dafrosa was beheaded, and their two
daughters, Bibiana and Demetria, were stripped of their possessions and left to suffer poverty.
However, they remained in their house, spending their time in fasting and prayer.
Apronianus, seeing that
hunger and want had no effect upon them, summoned them. Demetria, after confessing her Faith, fell
dead at the feet of the tyrant. St. Bibiana was reserved for greater sufferings. She was placed in
the hands of a wicked woman called Rufina, who in vain endeavored to seduce her. She used blows as
well as persuasion, but the Christian virgin remained faithful.
Enraged at the constancy of this saintly
virgin, Apronianus ordered her to be tied to a pillar and beaten with scourges, laden with lead
plummets, until she expired. The saint endured the torments with joy, and died under the blows
inflicted by the hands of the executioner.
Comments
Post a Comment