December 2 + Saint Bibiana

In the year 363, Julian the Apostate made Apronianus Governor of Rome. Bibiana suffered in the persecution started by him. She was the daughter of Christians — her father Saint Flavian was a Roman knight and her mother was Saint Dafrosa. Flavian was tortured and sent into exile, where he died of his wounds. Dafrosa was beheaded, and their two daughters, Bibiana and Demetria, were stripped of their possessions and left to suffer poverty. However, they remained in their house, spending their time in fasting and prayer.

Apronianus, seeing that hunger had no effect upon them, summoned the sisters. Demetria, after confessing her Faith, fell dead at the feet of the tyrant. Bibiana was reserved for greater sufferings. She was placed in the hands of a wicked woman called Rufina, who tried to seduce her but the Christian virgin remained faithful.

Enraged at Bibiana’s perseverance, Apronianus ordered her to be tied to a pillar and beaten with scourges, laden with lead plummets, until she expired. Bibiana endured the torments with joy, and died under the blows inflicted by the hands of the executioner.