Prayer to St. Bibiana, Virgin and Martyr
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.
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 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.
Aptonianus, seeing that hunger and want had no effect upon the two young women, 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 weights, until she expired. The Saint endured her torments with joy, and died under the blows inflicted by the hands of the executioner.
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