Martina of Rome

Who they were

Martina, a Roman virgin, the orphaned daughter of a former consul, confessed her faith so openly that she could not escape the persecution under Alexander Severus. Ordered to return to idolatry, she refused, was tortured and finally beheaded, around 226-228. The later accounts of her martyrdom contain embellishments of no historical value.

The miracles

There was never a formal cause: Martina has been honoured as a martyr since the early centuries. Her relics were found in 1634 near the Mamertine prison, and Urban VIII restored her church and is thought to have written her hymns.

Why that counted as sanctity

Martina confessed Christ openly, knowing the cost, and gave her life for Him.