St. Bibiana – Virgin and Martyr of Rome

ST. BIBIANA (MARTYR, VIRGIN)

St. Bibiana was a Roman virgin and martyr who suffered persecution under Emperor Julian the Apostate. She remained steadfast in her faith despite imprisonment and torture. After refusing to renounce Christianity, she was scourged to death. Her relics are enshrined in the Basilica of St. Bibiana in Rome, where many miracles have been reported.

St. Bibiana was born in Rome during the 4th century to a devout Christian family. Her parents, Flavian and Dafrosa, were known for their strong faith, and their household was deeply committed to Christianity. However, this was a time of great persecution under Emperor Julian the Apostate, who sought to restore paganism and suppress Christianity.

Her father, Flavian, a former Roman prefect, was arrested for being a Christian. He was cruelly tortured and then exiled, where he later died as a martyr. Her mother, Dafrosa, suffered a similar fate—she was beheaded for her faith. Left orphaned, Bibiana and her sister, Demetria, continued to uphold their Christian beliefs despite the threats against them.

The sisters were soon arrested and brought before Apronianus, the Roman governor. Demetria, after professing her faith, collapsed and died instantly, either from shock or divine intervention. Bibiana, however, was sentenced to a prolonged period of torture. She was handed over to a woman named Rufina, who attempted to corrupt her morals and force her into a life of sin. Bibiana resisted all temptations, remaining faithful to Christ.

Frustrated by her steadfastness, Apronianus ordered that she be tied to a pillar and scourged with leaded whips. She endured this brutal torture with unwavering faith and joy, refusing to renounce Christ. Eventually, she succumbed to her wounds and died on December 2, around the year 361 AD. Her body was left unburied to be devoured by wild animals, but miraculously, it remained untouched. After two days, fellow Christians secretly retrieved and buried her remains near her family’s home.

Years later, during the reign of Pope Simplicius (468–483), a basilica was built in her honor on the site of her burial. The Basilica of St. Bibiana in Rome remains a place of pilgrimage, where many miracles, particularly healings of mental and neurological disorders, have been reported through her intercession.

St. Bibiana is honored as a virgin and martyr of the Church. Her life exemplifies courage, purity, and unwavering faith in the face of persecution. She continues to be invoked for healing and protection against various afflictions, especially epilepsy, headaches, and mental illnesses.

Feast Day

2-12-

Birth Date

--4th century

Died Date

2-12-361

Canonised Date

--

Basilica of St. Bibiana, Rome, Italy

"Saint Bibiana, faithful servant of God, You endured great suffering for your faith. Intercede for us, that we may remain strong in our beliefs, And persevere in the face of trials. Pray for our healing, strength, and protection, That we may live with the courage and faith you exemplified. Amen."
ST. BIBIANA (MARTYR, VIRGIN)

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ST. BIBIANA (MARTYR, VIRGIN)

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