Today, February 12, we celebrate the feast day of Saint
Febronia of Nisibis (also know as Febronia of Sebapte, 284-305). There is much confusion regarding the life
of Saint Febronia, with her feast celebrated by some on February 12, by others
on June 25. Her life and acts were
recorded by a fellow nun, Thomais, but many believe these acts to be works of
holy legend, rather than accurate recounting of a saintly life. Whatever the
case, we look to the story of Saint Febronia today, to inspire us with courage
and fortitude at a time of change within our Church.
Febronia was raised at a monastery in the city of Sivapolis
in Assyria. Her aunt, Brvaena, was the
abbess of the abbey, and committed to raising her niece in holiness, imposed a
stricter rule upon her than the others.
Febronia took to the rules with grace, and soon, news of her piety
spread throughout the land.
Around that time, Emperor Diocletian launched a persecution
against Christians, fearing the faith would topple the Roman Empire. Diocletian sent a detachment of soldiers to
Assyria to destroy the Christian community developing there. Upon their
approach to the convent, the inhabitants hid, with the exception of abbess
Brvaena, Tomais, and Saint Febronia who was ill.
The three were seized by the soldiers, but they did not
fear. Rather, they entrusted themselves
to the Lord. Febronia was chained by
the neck and led to the commander of the soldiers. There, he urged her to renounce her faith, promising her honors,
rewards, riches, and marriage. But she
refused, fearlessly proclaiming the Word of God, and declaring Christ as her
groom. She was subjected to horrible
torture, but only prayed in response: “My Savior, do not abandon me in this
terrible hour!”
Saint Febronia was beaten and bloody, but would not
yield. She was then tied to a tree,
which was lit on fire. She failed to
confess any treason or renounce her faith, and the crowd gathered began to beg
for the inhumane tortures to end.
Eventually, she became silent, too ill to speak. Angered, the captain of the soldiers ordered
her tongue cut out, her teeth smashed, and her hands and feet removed. This was done. Finally, she was beheaded.
The treatment of Febronia brought many to Christ that day, the crowds
dispersing, cursing the pagan gods for their cruelty.
One of the soldiers, who had been raised by a Christian
mother, built a coffin and placed the holy virgin martyr’s body in it. He brought it to the convent, where it was
buried. The convent gates were opened,
and the populace came to venerate and pray for intercession from the holy
martyr. Even the soldiers were
converted. Numerous miracles were
reported at her tomb.
In 363, the relics of Saint Febronia were translated to
Constantinople. Saint Febronia is one
of the 140 saints who are placed on the columns at Saint Peter’s Basilica.
The virgin Febronia, confesses Christ
Before judgment standing, bloody and pale.
As a palm branch, the young Febronia.
From beautiful fruit, a branch became heavy,
And to Silenus she speaks: “A Bridegroom, have I,
And no type of honor, from you do I accept,
Christ is my glory, Christ is my pride,
O yes, the beautiful countenance of my Bridegroom!
Cut off, cut off my feet – paths they have traveled!
Cut off, cut off my hands – work they have completed!
Cut out, cut out my tongue – with my heart I will pray!
Smash, smash my mouth – with my heart, I will speak!
Whip, crush the body – why do I need the body?
A more beautiful garment, the Bridegroom has prepared,
Among many holy ones, in the heavens above,
Among the angels, in sweet Paradise.
Do not think Silenus, that when I depart,
That the fury of your life will die.
But hear me and remember: behold the same day
Before the Living God, together we will go:
You as a torturer and I, tortured by you,
Each, his deeds, will bring with him.
As a palm branch, the young Febronia.
From beautiful fruit, a branch became heavy,
And to Silenus she speaks: “A Bridegroom, have I,
And no type of honor, from you do I accept,
Christ is my glory, Christ is my pride,
O yes, the beautiful countenance of my Bridegroom!
Cut off, cut off my feet – paths they have traveled!
Cut off, cut off my hands – work they have completed!
Cut out, cut out my tongue – with my heart I will pray!
Smash, smash my mouth – with my heart, I will speak!
Whip, crush the body – why do I need the body?
A more beautiful garment, the Bridegroom has prepared,
Among many holy ones, in the heavens above,
Among the angels, in sweet Paradise.
Do not think Silenus, that when I depart,
That the fury of your life will die.
But hear me and remember: behold the same day
Before the Living God, together we will go:
You as a torturer and I, tortured by you,
Each, his deeds, will bring with him.
Please join me in lifting these intentions to Our Lord, through
the intercession of Our Blessed Mother.
Prayer requests, 2013: Week 6:
Completion of studies and successful employment for niece
(D, India); Blessings upon ministries
and their missions (A, Philippines); Successful employment, renewed personal
relationships, financial security (M, Philippines); For strength and courage
(P, United Arab Emirates); Health for a friend (N, Ireland); Reconciliation of
a relationship, health, financial security (W, USA-IL); Blessings upon a
family, for a daughter’s career (J, Singapore); Personal intentions (C, United
Kingdom); Health and blessings upon a family, for a sad and lonely daughter (A,
USA-VA); Repose of departed souls (P, India); Successful business and financial
security (M, Sri Lanka); Vocations, financial assistance (H, India); Successful
employment for husband, health benefits (M, USA-CA); Renewal of faith in family
(P, Australia); Blessings and health upon a family (B, Canada); Successful
employment, financial security (K, Netherlands); Successful examinations,
renewal of a relationship (M, Germany); Recovery from depression (B, United
Kingdom); Personal relationships with Christ for family, successful employment
for son (D, USA-MN); Successful employment (M, USA-WA); End to legal
difficulties, successful employment (B, Philippines); For a sick husband, for
blessings upon a family (S, India); Renewal of relationship with Christ via the
Rosary (B, USA-MA); True conversion, successful employment, healing of mental
illness (R, USA-CA); Healing of a relationship (V, Australia); Good health for
a couple (P, Kuwait); Healing of a sick mother, financial security, patience
(M, Philippines); Prosperity, love, health, forgiveness (D, Bulgaria);
Successful examinations (J, Ghana).
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