Agathoclia
Saint Agathoclia was a Christian virgin slave venerated as a patron saint of Mequinenza, Aragón, Spain. She is remembered for her steadfast refusal to renounce her faith despite severe physical abuse and torture by her owners and local authorities, ultimately leading to her martyrdom. Her feast day is celebrated annually on September 17.
- Feast Day
- September 17
- Century
- 3rd century
- Country Or Region
- Spain
Key Facts
- ›Agathoclia was a virgin Christian slave who refused to renounce her faith.
- ›Her owners, Nicolas and Paulina, subjected her to physical abuse and a public trial.
- ›She was sentenced to have her tongue cut out but survived this injury.
- ›There are differing accounts of her death, with some sources stating her mistress poured burning coals on her neck and others that she was cast into fire.
- ›She is venerated as a patron saint of Mequinenza, Spain.
- ›Her feast day is observed on September 17.
Agathocleia, Santa Agatoclia, La Santa
Mequinenza
About Agathoclia
Saint Agathoclia
Saint Agathoclia, also known as Agathocleia or Santa Agatoclia, is venerated as a martyr and patron saint of Mequinenza in Aragón, Spain. Tradition places her death around 230 AD.
Life and Persecution
According to tradition, Agathoclia was a virgin Christian slave owned by Nicolas and Paulina, a couple who had formerly been Christians but had reverted to paganism. They subjected Agathoclia to systematic physical abuse, including whipping, in an attempt to force her to renounce her Christian faith. She steadfastly refused.
Her refusal led to a public trial before a local magistrate. There, she again refused to renounce Christianity, which resulted in her being subjected to "savage mangling from the authorities." As part of her sentence, her tongue was cut out, a non-fatal injury.
Death
There is some divergence in historical accounts regarding the precise manner of Agathoclia's death. Some traditions state that her mistress, Paulina, poured burning coals on her neck. Other sources claim that Agathoclia herself was cast into a fire, indicating a death by burning.
Veneration
Agathoclia's feast day is observed on September 17. The town of Mequinenza celebrates festivals in her honor, referred to as "La Santa," from September 16 to 20. A confraternity dedicated to Saint Agathoclia also exists in the town, testifying to her continued veneration.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Saint Agathoclia?
Saint Agathoclia was a Christian virgin slave venerated as a patron saint. Tradition states she endured severe persecution for her faith.
What is Saint Agathoclia remembered for?
She is primarily remembered for her steadfast refusal to renounce Christianity despite brutal physical abuse and torture by her owners and the authorities. She is considered a martyr.
Where is Saint Agathoclia venerated?
She is venerated as a patron saint of Mequinenza, Aragón, Spain. The town celebrates festivals in her honor from September 16 to 20.
When is Saint Agathoclia's feast day?
Her feast day is celebrated on September 17.
How did Saint Agathoclia die?
There are differing accounts of her death. Some traditions suggest her mistress poured burning coals on her neck, while others state she was cast into fire.
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