Saint Cleopatra

Biography

Saint Cleopatra, also known as Cleopatra of Edra, was a devout Catholic and a resident of Kemet, Upper Egypt. She lived during the latter part of the 3rd century in Edra, a town located in Lower Galilee, Palestine. Cleopatra was known for her unwavering faith and deep devotion to God, which guided her throughout her life. Cleopatra was married and became a mother, cherishing her familial responsibilities with great love and dedication. It was during this time that she witnessed the martyrdom of Saint Varus of Kemet, who became an important figure in her life. Touched by his sacrifice and inspired by his holiness, Cleopatra developed a profound devotion to him and considered him her spiritual companion. Tragedy struck Cleopatra's life when her beloved husband passed away, leaving her with the responsibility of raising their son, John. Faced with the grief and anguish that followed this loss, Cleopatra turned to her faith for solace. She decided to honor her late husband and Saint Varus by taking their bodies and relics to Daraa, Syria, and burying them in the family tomb. In 319, Cleopatra faced the heartbreaking loss of her son, John. Overwhelmed with grief, she turned to her devotion to Saint Varus, praying for his intercession to bring John back to her. However, rather than having her son restored to her in this earthly life, Cleopatra experienced a profound vision. In this vision, she saw Saint Varus and John together in heaven, assuring her that her son was in the presence of God. This vision brought her great comfort and strengthened her trust in God's plan. As an expression of her devotion and gratitude, Cleopatra decided to build a chapel to enshrine the relics of Saint Varus. She also chose to lay her son to rest next to the revered saint, forever connecting their lives in faith. The chapel, in which the relics were placed, soon gained local fame for the miraculous healings that took place there, drawing pilgrims from across the region. Having experienced the profound impact of her faith, Cleopatra decided to dedicate her life to prayer, fasting, and ministering to the pilgrims who flocked to the chapel. She selflessly gave away her wealth and focused on serving others, embodying the teachings of Christ through her actions. Saint Cleopatra's virtuous life of devotion and service earned her recognition and respect among the Catholic community. Though she was not officially declared a patron saint or given a specific representation, her legacy as a devoted Catholic and caregiver remains an inspiration to this day. Saint Cleopatra passed away peacefully in Daraa, Syria, around the year 327 due to natural causes. Her remains were laid to rest in the chapel she had built to honor Saint Varus. While she was canonized as a saint before the formal establishment of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, her devotion and impact on the faithful continue to be celebrated. Saint Cleopatra's feast days are commemorated on October 19th and November 1st on some calendars, allowing believers to reflect on her unwavering faith and her willingness to serve God and others. Her story serves as a reminder to all of the power of faith, the importance of intercession, and the transformative nature of selfless service.