Saint Engratia of Segovia

Biography

Saint Engratia of Segovia, also known as Saint Engracia, was a Christian martyr who lived in the 8th century. She was born in the town of Sepulveda, in the region of Castile, which is now part of modern-day Spain. Engratia was the sister of two other saints, Saint Fructus of Segovia and Saint Valentine of Segovia. Engratia lived during a time of conflict between Christian Spain and the invading Moors. This period was marked by violence and the persecution of Christians. Engratia, known for her strong faith and dedication to Christ, became a victim of this persecution. According to historical accounts, Engratia was captured by the Moors and subjected to various forms of torture in an attempt to force her to renounce her Christian beliefs. Despite enduring unimaginable pain, she steadfastly refused to renounce her faith and remained loyal to her Christian convictions. The details surrounding her martyrdom are not well-documented, but it is believed that Engratia eventually met her death at the hands of the Moors. Her martyrdom is thought to have occurred around the year 715. After Engratia's death, her remains were taken to Segovia, Spain, where they were venerated as relics. To this day, the relics of Saint Engratia are cherished and honored in Segovia. Although not much is known about Saint Engratia's specific representation, she is commonly depicted as a young woman with a serene expression, holding a palm frond, symbolizing her martyrdom. This representation serves as a reminder of her courage and unwavering faith in the face of persecution. Due to her close association with the city of Segovia, Saint Engratia is recognized as the patron saint of Segovia, Spain. Her feast day is celebrated annually on October 26th. Saint Engratia of Segovia was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church, but her canonization predates the formal process of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. This places her as a pre-congregation saint, indicating that her sainthood was recognized and celebrated prior to the establishment of this formal process.