Saint of the day March 13, 2025

St. Euphrasia was born in 380 in Constantinople. She was the only daughter, and her father was a nobleman and relative of the court of Emperor Theodosius I. When her father died, his widow and daughter left and moved to Egypt, to a monastery. This was less than a century since St. Anthony had established the first monastery, but monasticism in those 100 years had spread quickly.

Little Euphrasia at the age of seven, begged to take vows to become a nun at that monastery. Her mother presented the child to the Abbess, and Euphrasia took up an image of Christ and kissed it, saying, “By vow I consecrate myself to Christ”. Her mother also added, “Lord Jesus Christ, receive this child under your special protection. You alone does she love and seek, to you does she recommend herself”. Soon after, Euphrasia’s mother became sick and died.

Hearing of her mother’s death, the Emperor Theodosius I, sent for Euphrasia. He had promised her in marriage to a young Senator, but she responded with a letter to the Emperor declining the offer to marry, instead she requested that her estate be sold and divided among the poor, and that her slaves be set free. The emperor did as she requested shortly before his death in 395. She was known for her humility, meekness and charity. Her Abbess often advised her to perform manual labor when she was burdened with temptations. As a part of these labors, she often carried heavy stones from one place to another, and then put them back again. She did this for thirty days at a time, as a form of manual labor.

Euphrasia died in the year 410, at the age of thirty. She was said to perform miracles before and after her death. She was said to have healed a deaf, dumb and crippled child and delivered a woman from possession by the devil. Before she died, the Abbess of Euphrasia’s monastery reported having had a vision of Euphrasia being transported to God’s throne, surrounded by angels. After her death, she was venerated as a saint. Her feast day is March 13th.

Reflection

Saint Euphrasia was a perfect pattern of humility, meekness, and charity. She is venerated as a saint for her piety.
Although Saint Euphrasia does not have a specific patronage assigned to her, she serves as a source of inspiration for individuals seeking spiritual strength and guidance. In artistic representations, she is often depicted as a young woman holding or carrying a stone, symbolizing her voluntary penances and mortifications. Overall, Saint Euphrasia's life is a testament to her unwavering commitment to serving God and helping others. Her selflessness, devotion, and perseverance continue to inspire believers around the world.