Saint Victoria

Biography

Saint Victoria was a beautiful Roman Christian noblewoman who lived during the third century. She was the sister of Saint Anatolia and the two siblings were both set to be married in arranged marriages to noble Roman pagans. However, they both had reservations about going through with these marriages. Victoria, trying to find solace in the examples set by the patriarchs in the Old Testament who had married, argued that it would be acceptable for them to do the same. On the other hand, Anatolia presented counterexamples to illustrate that the holiest lives were dedicated to God and remaining single. Eventually, Victoria became convinced by Anatolia's arguments and decided to dedicate her life to God. In a great act of selflessness, Victoria sold her jewelry and gave the proceeds to the poor. She steadfastly refused to proceed with her intended marriage to a man named Eugenius. The suitors, Eugenius and Titus Aurelius, were undeterred and were determined to marry the sisters. In order to coerce them, the suitors resorted to imprisoning Victoria and Anatolia in their estates, hoping to break their faith and persuade them to change their minds. Contrary to their expectations, the sisters used this time to spread their faith and converted their servants and guards who were sent to watch over them. Despite their efforts, Titus Aurelius eventually gave up and returned Anatolia to the authorities. Eugenius, however, persisted for several years, alternately treating Victoria with kindness and cruelty, hoping to sway her decision. Ultimately, even he abandoned his pursuit and returned her to the authorities, as his efforts proved futile. Unfortunately, the sisters' unwavering commitment to their faith resulted in them being martyred by the order of Julian, the prefect of the Capitol and count of the temples. Saint Victoria was stabbed through the heart in 250 by the executioner Liliarcus at Tabulana, Italy. Legend has it that her murderer was instantly struck with leprosy and died six days later, eaten by worms. It is important to note that modern research indicates that the story of Saint Victoria and her sister Anatolia is most likely pious fiction that was mistaken for history. Nonetheless, their dedication to their faith and their refusal to compromise their beliefs continue to inspire believers. Saint Victoria is venerated as a saint and her feast day is celebrated on July 10th. Additionally, she is recognized as a patron against earthquakes, lightning, severe weather, and is especially venerated in various regions in Italy, including Aggius, Anticoli Corrado, Carsoli, Castilenti, Guardiabruna, Monteleone Sabino, Pietraferrazzana, Pisoniano, Poggio Sannita, Posta Fibreno, Santa Vittoria d’Alba, Santa Vittoria in Matenano, Siligo, Spongano, Telti, Thiesi, Tissi, and Tornareccio. Although canonized prior to the establishment of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Saint Victoria is considered a canonized saint.