Symphorosa
Symphorosa is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church, traditionally remembered as a martyr who died with her seven sons. Their story, detailed in an ancient Passio, recounts their martyrdom under Roman emperors, though the historicity of these accounts is widely questioned by modern scholars.
- Feast Day
- July 18
- Century
- 2nd century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Symphorosa is venerated as a saint and martyr in the Catholic Church.
- ›According to tradition, she was martyred with her seven sons around AD 138 near Tibur (modern Tivoli, Italy).
- ›The credibility of the ancient Passio detailing her martyrdom is seriously questioned by modern hagiologists.
- ›Her husband, Getulius, a former Roman tribune, was martyred with his brother Amantius before Symphorosa and her sons.
- ›Symphorosa and her sons were reportedly killed for refusing to sacrifice to pagan Roman gods.
- ›A basilica was discovered at a site on the Via Tiburtina believed to be their tomb, with remains later transferred to Rome.
Sinforosa
About Symphorosa
Saint Symphorosa and Her Seven Sons
Symphorosa is venerated as a saint within the Catholic Church, traditionally remembered as a martyr who suffered with her seven sons. Her story, while prominent in early Christian hagiography, is subject to scholarly debate regarding its historical accuracy.
Life and Historical Context
According to tradition, Symphorosa was a matron from Tibur (modern Tivoli, Italy) and the widow of Getulius. Getulius, a tribune in the Roman army, reportedly resigned his commission upon converting to Christianity and retired to his estate near Tivoli. The ancient Passio, the primary source for their story, states that Getulius and his brother Amantius were beheaded under Emperor Hadrian. Symphorosa buried her husband's remains on their estate.
Following Getulius' death, Symphorosa and her seven sons were arrested. When they refused to renounce their Christian faith and sacrifice to the Roman gods, Symphorosa was subjected to torture and thrown into the Anio River with a heavy rock fastened to her neck. The following day, her seven sons were similarly tortured and ultimately pierced with swords. Their bodies were cast into a ditch, later known by a name derived from the Greek term for self-murderers and applied to martyrs.
Authenticity and Veneration
The historicity of the Passio is questioned by many modern hagiologists. Doubts are raised by discrepancies in the names of the sons found in different early documents, such as the Hieronymian Martyrology. Some scholars suggest that the narrative of Symphorosa and her seven sons may be an adaptation of earlier martyr stories, such as those of the Maccabean Mother or Saint Felicitas of Rome and her seven sons.
Despite these historical uncertainties, veneration of Symphorosa and her sons has persisted. The ruins of a basilica on the Via Tiburtina, known as "le sette fratte," are believed to mark their tomb, and their relics were transferred to the Church of Sant'Angelo in Pescheria in Rome in the 8th century. The Diocese of Tivoli honors them as patron saints, and they are commemorated in the Roman Martyrology on July 18, although they are no longer included in the General Roman Calendar due to the untrustworthy nature of their Acts.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Saint Symphorosa?
Symphorosa is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church. According to tradition, she was a matron martyred with her seven sons.
When and where did Saint Symphorosa live?
Tradition places her martyrdom near Tibur (present Tivoli, Lazio, Italy) around AD 138, toward the end of Emperor Hadrian's reign.
What is the historical basis for Symphorosa's story?
The story of Symphorosa and her sons is told in an ancient Passio, but its credibility is seriously questioned by many modern hagiologists. Some scholars believe the seven sons may be an adaptation of the seven sons of the Maccabean Mother.
What happened to Saint Symphorosa and her sons?
According to the Passio, Symphorosa was tortured and thrown into the Anio River with a rock tied to her neck. Her seven sons were reportedly tortured and pierced with swords.
Is Symphorosa still commemorated in the Roman Calendar?
Symphorosa and her sons are mentioned in the Roman Martyrology on July 18. However, they are no longer included in the General Roman Calendar due to the untrustworthy nature of information in their Acts.
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