Friday, December 02, 2005

TODAY'S SAINT (Bibiana)

BIBIANA
Virgin and Martyr
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 Goveernor 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, afte 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.
Inraged at the constancy of this saintly Virgin, apronianus ordered her to be tied to a pillar and beated with scourges, laden with lead plummets, until she expired. The saint endured her torments with joy, and died under the blows inflicted by the hands of the executioner.
PRAYER
Lord God, You showered heavenly gifts on St. Bibiana. Help us
to imitate her virtues during our earthly life and enjoy eternal
happiness with her in heaven. Amen.
Feast: December 2

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