Feast Day: January 18
Patronage: Converts, children, and those suffering from persecution for the Faith
Saint Prisca (also called Priscilla in some traditions) is a virgin martyr of the early Church, whose life bears witness to the courage and steadfast faith of the Christians during the fierce persecutions of the Roman Empire. While details about her life are intertwined with pious tradition, her veneration as a saint has been preserved in the liturgical life of the Church, particularly in the West. She is one of the early Christian saints who exemplifies the glory of martyrdom.
Life and Martyrdom
Prisca is said to have been born into a noble Roman family, brought up in the Christian faith despite the paganism that surrounded her. Living during the reign of Emperor Claudius (41–54 AD) or possibly Emperor Decius (249–251 AD), her time was marked by hostility against the growing Christian community. From her early years, she showed remarkable piety, dedicating herself to Christ as His virgin spouse.
At the tender age of 13, Prisca openly professed her faith in Christ, refusing to offer sacrifice to the Roman gods. This defiance led to her arrest and a series of brutal torments meant to force her renunciation of Christianity. According to tradition:
- She was scourged and imprisoned.
- When brought before the Roman tribunal, she was commanded to offer sacrifice to Apollo. Refusing, she prayed to the true God, and at her prayer, the idol of Apollo was destroyed.
- She was thrown into the amphitheater to be devoured by lions, but instead, the beasts miraculously lay at her feet, refusing to harm her.
- She endured further tortures, including burning with hot irons and being thrown into boiling oil, yet she remained unscathed. Her miraculous endurance was a testimony to the power of Christ and led to the conversion of some witnesses.
- Finally, Prisca was beheaded, receiving the crown of martyrdom.
Legacy and Veneration
Saint Prisca’s body is said to have been buried in the Catacombs of Priscilla in Rome, a site associated with the early Christian community. Her name has been honored for centuries, and a church dedicated to her, Santa Prisca, stands on the Aventine Hill in Rome. This basilica is believed to be built on the site of her family home and is a place of pilgrimage for the faithful.
The Church venerates Saint Prisca as an example of youthful purity, fortitude in the face of persecution, and unwavering fidelity to Christ. She reminds us that strength comes not from age or earthly power, but from the grace of God working in the soul.
Lessons from Saint Prisca
- Courage in Witnessing the Faith: Prisca teaches us to remain steadfast in our faith, even when confronted with persecution or societal pressure to conform.
- Childlike Trust in God: Her youthful confidence in God’s protection calls us to cultivate a similar childlike faith.
- Martyrdom as the Ultimate Witness: The life and death of Saint Prisca remind us that the martyrs are the seed of the Church, and their blood serves to inspire generations of Christians to persevere.
Collect from the Traditional Roman Missal (Feast of Saint Prisca)
“O Almighty God, who dost choose the weak things of this world to confound the strong, mercifully grant that we who celebrate the heavenly birthday of Thy blessed virgin and martyr Prisca, may by her example draw nearer to Thee. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, forever and ever. Amen.”
Reflection and Prayer
The example of Saint Prisca reminds us to live with boldness in the practice of our faith. In our daily lives, we may not face physical persecution, but we are often challenged by a world hostile to the truths of the Gospel. Let us pray for the intercession of this holy virgin and martyr, that we may have the courage to proclaim our faith with unwavering conviction.
Prayer to Saint Prisca:
O glorious Saint Prisca, pure bride of Christ and valiant martyr for the Faith, pray for us that we may be strengthened in times of trial and remain ever faithful to our divine Spouse. Intercede for us before the throne of God, that we may grow in holiness and one day share in the joy of the heavenly kingdom. Amen.