Messalina of Foligno
Catholic saint
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Messalina of Foligno (Italian: Santa Messalina di Foligno; 235–249) was a 3rd-century Italian Christian consecrated virgin and martyr who was a disciple of Felician of Foligno. During the persecution of Christians by Emperor Decius, she was clubbed to death after she refused to make a sacrifice to the Roman gods. She is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox Church.
Foligno, Roman Italy
Foligno, Roman Italy
Eastern Orthodox Church
Messalina of Foligno | |
|---|---|
Status of St. Messalina in Foligno Cathedral | |
| Virgin and martyr | |
| Born | 235 C.E. Foligno, Roman Italy |
| Died | 23 January 249 C.E. Foligno, Roman Italy |
| Venerated in | Catholic Church Eastern Orthodox Church |
| Major shrine | Foligno Cathedral |
| Feast | 19 January (Eastern Orthodox) 23 January (Catholic) |
| Patronage | Foligno |
Biography
Messalina was a Christian woman living in Foligno in the third century.[1] She was a disciple of Bishop Felician of Foligno, from whom she received the veil upon taking vows of celibacy and chastity.[2] She visited Felician in prison following his arrest during Emperor Decius's persecution of Christians.[2]
She was denounced as a Christian and, after she refused to make a sacrifice to the Roman gods, she was beaten to death on 23 January 249.[2]
Messalina is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox Church.[3] Her major shrine is at Foligno Cathedral.[4]