Saint of the day December 2, 2024

Bibiana, also known as Viviana, Vivian, or Vibiana, was born in the 4th century in Rome, Italy. She was the daughter of Saint Flavian of Acquapendente and Dafrosa of Acquapendente. Flavian, her Christian father, was apprehended during the reign of Julian the Apostate, branded on the face as a slave, and banished to Toscany, where he died of his wounds a few days later. Her mother, Dafrosa, was confined to her house for some time and later carried outside the gates of Rome and beheaded.

Following the death of her parents, Bibiana and her sister Demetria were stripped of all they had in the world, in the hope that poverty would cause them to abandon their faith. Then, they were imprisoned with orders to give them no food. The Roman praetorian offered them rewards if they would abandon their faith. He also threatened them with a cruel death if they did not conform. But, both Bibiana and Demetria cheerfully responded: “It is better to lose the temporal goods, which we cannot possess long, than the eternal.”. They stated that they would endure a thousand deaths rather than betray their faith and their Saviour.

The officer gave orders that Bibiana be placed in the custody of a woman named Rufina, who was commanded to corrupt her or mistreat her. But, Bibiana made prayer her shield and remained invincible. However, Rufina attempted to force the sisters into prostitution. Bibiana courageously refused to comply with this request, even in the face of great pressure and hardship. Due to her unwavering resistance, Bibiana was imprisoned in a madhouse. This cruel confinement was followed by her being subjected to brutal flogging. Enraged at the courage and perseverance of the young virgin, the persecutor ordered her to be tied to a pillar and whipped until she expired, with scourges tipped with leaden plummets. Cheerfully, she underwent this final punishment. Around 361, Bibiana died at the hands of the executioners.

It is said that her body was left to the dogs, yet they refused to touch it. Two days later, Bibiana was buried in the Pretestato Catacombs in Rome, Italy. A church was built over her grave, in the garden of which grew an herb that cured headaches and epilepsy. This and her time spent with the mentally ill led to her areas of patronage.

Reflection

Today, Saint Bibiana is remembered as a powerful example of the power of faith. Her life and death continue to inspire people of all faiths, and she is revered as a saint by the Catholic Church. She is often depicted in art and literature as a young woman holding a palm branch, symbolizing her victory over death through her faith in Christ.
Although our society does not violently persecute Catholics, Saint Bibiana is an example to us of the long tradition of Catholics who were willing to sacrifice their lives for their faith. Many Catholics around the world are still targeted and victimized for their faith.
Saint Bibiana’s story is a reminder of the importance of standing firm in one’s beliefs, even in the face of great adversity. Her unwavering devotion to Christ serves as an inspiration to us all, and her memory continues to be celebrated by Christians throughout the world.