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Feast Day: December 8
Saint Sabina of Caëstre, also known as Sabina of Cassel, Sabina of Flanders, and Sabina of Mercia, was born in the 9th century in Mercia, England. She was the daughter of King Genolfo and the sister of Saint Elfrida and Saint Edith. Princess Sabina had a privileged upbringing, but her life took a dramatic turn when she converted to Christianity. Upon embracing her newfound faith, Saint Sabina renounced the arranged marriage that her father had planned for her. Determined to live a life devoted to God, she, along with her sisters, embarked on a pilgrimage to Rome, Italy. Along their journey, they sought spiritual guidance and stayed the night with a group of religious sisters in Cassel, Flanders. Tragically, their decision to reject their potential suitors proved to have dire consequences. Men hired by the spurned suitors violently murdered Saint Sabina and her sisters in a forested area near Cassel or Caëstre in Flanders, which is now located in modern-day France. These brutal acts were directly linked to their unwavering commitment to their Christian faith, and as a result, the sisters are considered martyrs. The murder of Saint Sabina and her sisters became a pivotal event that inspired great devotion and reverence. The Chapel of the Three Virgins was constructed on the site where they were slain, quickly becoming a place of pilgrimage for believers seeking solace and miracles. Countless individuals reported experiencing extraordinary healings and miracles at the chapel, further solidifying the sisters' status as holy martyrs. While Saint Sabina's representation is not specified, her remarkable life and martyrdom continue to inspire individuals worldwide. Although she has not been officially recognized as a patron saint in any particular area, her story serves as a reminder of the indomitable strength of faith and the sacrifices made by those devoted to their beliefs. Saint Sabina was canonized as a saint before the formation of the formal canonization process, referred to as Pre-Congregation. This term indicates that her sainthood was acknowledged before the establishment of the specific canonical procedures implemented by the Catholic Church to officially recognize saints. The Feast of Saint Sabina of Caëstre is celebrated on the 8th of December. Additionally, a procession in honor of the three sisters takes place on the first Sunday of July, providing devotees an opportunity to commemorate their lives and seek their intercession. Saint Sabina's life serves as a powerful testament to the strength of faith and the potential dangers faced by those who boldly choose to live out their beliefs. Her story continues to inspire believers to persevere in their devotion to God, even in the face of adversity.