SAINT OF THE DAY

DEC. 2: ST. BIBIANA

(4th century)

According to legend, Bibiana was the daughter of a former Roman prefect, Flavianus, who was banished by Julian the Apostate. His wife, Dafrosa, and two daughters, Demetria and Bibiana, were also persecuted by Julian.

Dafrosa and Demetria died a natural death and were buried by Bibiana in their own house; but Bibiana was tortured and died as a result of her sufferings. Two days after her death, a priest named John buried Bibiana near her mother and sister in her home, the house being later transformed into a church.

An alternate account says Bibiana was the daughter of Christians, Flavian, a Roman knight, and Dafrosa, his wife. In the year 363, Emperor Julian made Apronianus governor of Rome. Bibiana suffered in the persecution started by him. 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. The 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.

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 died. The saint endured the torments with joy and died under the blows inflicted by the hands of the executioner. Her body was then put in the open air to be torn apart by wild animals, yet none would touch it. After two days she was buried.

Adapted by A.J. Valentini from St. Bibiana – Saints & Angels. (n.d.). Catholic Online. Retrieved Nov. 24, 2020, from https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=168