Petronilla
Saint Petronilla, also known as Aurelia Petronilla, is an early Christian saint venerated as a virgin in the Catholic Church. Traditionally identified as the daughter of Saint Peter, later scholarship suggests she belonged to the Roman family of the Aurelii. She is remembered for her early veneration in Rome and her association with the Chapel of St. Petronilla, which became a burial place for French royalty.
- Feast Day
- May 31
- Century
- 1st century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Petronilla died in Rome at the end of the 1st century, or possibly in the 3rd century.
- ›She was traditionally identified as the daughter of Peter, though this may have stemmed from name similarity.
- ›More recent study indicates she belonged to the Roman family of the Aurelii.
- ›Her cult extended widely after the erection of a basilica over her remains and those of Nereus and Achilleus in the 4th century.
- ›In 757, her remains were transferred to a building that became the Chapel of St. Petronilla, a burial place for French kings.
- ›Her feast day falls on may 31st.
Aurelia Petronilla
Dauphins of France
About Petronilla
Saint Petronilla
Saint Petronilla, sometimes known as Aurelia Petronilla, is an early Christian saint venerated as a virgin in the Catholic Church. Her death is traditionally placed in Rome at the end of the 1st century or possibly in the 3rd century. While traditionally identified as the daughter of the apostle Peter, this belief is thought to have originated from the similarity of their names. More recent scholarly study indicates that Petronilla belonged to the Roman family of the Aurelii, with the earlier identification possibly arising from a misunderstanding of an inscription.
Historical evidence suggests Petronilla was venerated as a martyr in Rome during the 4th century. Her cult gained prominence after the erection of a basilica over her remains, which were buried on the Via Ardeatina near those of Nereus and Achilleus. Excavations in the Catacomb of Domitilla have confirmed the location of her tomb and that of these other martyrs. A significant memorial found was a painting on the closing stone of a tomb, depicting Petronilla receiving a deceased person named Veneranda into heaven.
In the 8th century, Petronilla's remains were transferred to an old circular building near Old St. Peter's Basilica, which was altered to become the Chapel of St. Petronilla. This chapel later became a burial place for French kings, leading to her patronage of the dauphins of France. This association is linked to the belief that Charlemagne and Carloman were adopted sons of Peter, making Petronilla their spiritual patroness. When St. Peter's Basilica was rebuilt in the 16th century, her relics were moved to an altar dedicated to her in the new basilica. Her feast day is celebrated on May 31st, with Masses offered for France.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Saint Petronilla?
Saint Petronilla, also known as Aurelia Petronilla, was an early Christian saint venerated as a virgin in the Catholic Church. She died in Rome around the end of the 1st or in the 3rd century.
What is the traditional relationship between Saint Petronilla and Saint Peter?
Traditionally, Petronilla was identified as the daughter of the Apostle Peter. However, modern scholarship suggests this may have arisen from the similarity of their names, and she might have been his spiritual daughter or a follower.
Where is Saint Petronilla buried?
Saint Petronilla's tomb was located in the Catacomb of Domitilla on the Via Ardeatina, near the tombs of Nereus and Achilleus. Her remains were later translated to St. Peter's Basilica.
Why is Saint Petronilla associated with France?
In 757, her remains were moved to a building that became the Chapel of St. Petronilla, which served as a burial place for French kings. Her patronage of the dauphins of France is linked to a dolphin carving found on her sarcophagus.
When is Saint Petronilla's feast day?
Saint Petronilla's feast day is celebrated on May 31st. Mass on this day in St. Peter's Basilica is offered for France and attended by French residents of Rome.
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