Saint Euprexia of Mineo

Biography

Saint Euprexia of Mineo, also known as Euprepia or Eupraxia, was a married lay woman and the mother of Saint Theognia of Mineo. After the death of her husband, Euprexia devoted herself to a life of holiness and piety. She lived in Mineo, a town in Caltagirone, Sicily, Italy, during the early 4th century. One significant event in the life of Euprexia was the miraculous healing of her daughter, Saint Theognia, who had been paralyzed. The relics of Saint Agrappina, a martyred saint from Rome, were brought to a cave near Euprexia's home. It was in the presence of these sacred relics that Theognia was miraculously cured of her paralysis. Euprexia was filled with gratitude for this miracle and decided to honor the relics by building a chapel within her home. She had the relics of Saint Agrappina enshrined in this chapel, displaying her deep devotion to the saint. As time passed, the popularity and reverence for the relics of Saint Agrappina spread throughout the community. Euprexia's humble chapel became a gathering place for Christian worship and prayer. Recognizing the significance of this site, a church was eventually constructed on the same location in the year 312. This church was dedicated to Saint Agrippina and became a place of pilgrimage and veneration. Despite the lack of detailed historical records, the life of Saint Euprexia of Mineo serves as a testament to her dedication to her faith and the significant role she played in promoting and safeguarding the relics of Saint Agrappina. The precise date of her death remains unknown, but her devotion and contributions to the Christian community have been recognized by the Catholic Church. Though she lived before the era of formal canonizations, Saint Euprexia is regarded as a saint in the Pre-Congregation period. While there is no specific representation associated with Saint Euprexia, her story highlights the power of faith and the importance of devotion to the saints in the Catholic tradition. Saint Euprexia's feast day is celebrated on January 5th, commemorating her life and her role in the miraculous healing of her daughter. Though not officially designated as a patron saint, Euprexia can be considered a role model for mothers and individuals seeking inspiration in their journey of faith.