Saint Martina
Saint Martina (born c. 3rd century AD in Rome, Italy; died c. 228 AD in Rome, Italy) was an early Roman Christian martyr venerated as a co-patron of the city of Rome alongside Saint Peter and Saint Paul. She is said to have been the daughter of a Roman consul who converted to Christianity, refused to offer sacrifice to Roman gods, and was executed after enduring multiple miraculous tortures. Her feast day is January 30.
Stored in Cargo: Saint Martina
| Saint Martina | |
|---|---|
| Feast Day | January 30 |
| Profession | Virgin martyr; daughter of a Roman consul; patron of the poor |
| Rel. Affiliation | Catholic Church; Rome; early Church in Rome; 3rd-century Roman Christian community; Severan persecution |
| Patronage | Rome (co-patron with Peter and Paul); nursing mothers (in some traditions); skin diseases (in some traditions); the city of Rome |
| Attributes | Palm of martyrdom; sword (beheading); Roman dress; iron hooks (instrument of torture); lions (that refused to attack her); white or milk-like liquid from wounds; the Roman Forum setting |
| Birthplace | Rome, Italy |
| Death Place | Rome, Italy |
| Cause of Death | Martyrdom; beheaded in Rome, c. 228 AD, during the reign of the Emperor Alexander Severus; she had survived multiple previous tortures (hooks tearing her flesh, burning, wild animals) apparently by miraculous divine protection before being finally executed |
| Primary Shrine | Santi Luca e Martina, Roman Forum, Rome — her relics in the crypt; rebuilt by Pietro da Cortona; Pope Urban VIII's church; in the heart of the ancient Forum; one of Rome's most historically situated churches |
| Liturgical Class | Optional Memorial (Roman Rite); January 30; formerly a Feast of greater rank in Rome |
| Historic Class | Simple (January 30) in 1962 calendar |
Biography
Martina was born in Rome in the early 3rd century, traditionally identified as the daughter of a Roman consul. After her father's death she gave her inheritance to the poor and devoted herself to caring for orphans and the widows of martyrs.
During the reign of Emperor Alexander Severus (222–235 AD), she was arrested for refusing to offer sacrifice to Roman gods. Her Acts describe multiple miraculous deliverances from torture before her final execution by beheading, c. 228 AD.
Her cult in Rome is ancient. Pope Honorius I (625–638 AD) built a church in her honor. The church of Santi Luca e Martina in the Roman Forum became her principal shrine.
In 1634, Pope Urban VIII discovered her relics during a restoration of the church. He promoted her as a co-patron of Rome and extended her feast to January 30.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Rome, Italy
Death location: Rome, Italy
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Parishes
No parishes dedicated to Martina have been added to the database yet.
Media
| Media | Length | AuthorCreator |
|---|---|---|
| ✝️Saint Martina – The Martyr Who Turned Pain into a Miracle!💞 | Over 60 minutes | Journey of the Saints |
| The Story of Saint Martina | Martyrdom, Courage, and Hope | Under 5 minutes | Joy of Heaven |
| The Story of Saint Martina: The Fearless Virgin and Martyr of Rome | Under 5 minutes | Joy of Heaven |
| Saint Martina: The Young Virgin and Martyr Who Bravely Chose Christ Over Death | Under 5 minutes | Leyendas De Santos |
| Saint Martina, Virgin and Martyr - January 30th | Under 5 minutes | Saint of the Day |
| The Martyrdom of Saint Martina: Light in the Darkness of the Roman Empire | 30–60 minutes | Sanctus |
| She Chose Death Over Denying Christ | St. Martina | Under 5 minutes | The One Minute Catholic |
Shrines
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No shrines where this saint is the primary saint.
Known shrines
- Santi Luca e Martina, Roman Forum, Rome — her relics in the crypt; principal shrine.
Feast day
January 30
Veneration
Saint Martina is a co-patron of Rome alongside Saints Peter and Paul. Her relics are in the church of Santi Luca e Martina in the Roman Forum, rebuilt by Pietro da Cortona through the devotion of Pope Urban VIII.
Prayers
Authored
There are prayers authored by this saint in prayers list yet.
Intercessory
There are no prayers asking for this saint's intercession in prayers list yet.