It’s the Feast of St Martina, 3rd Class, with the color of Red. In this episode: the meditation: “Firm Purpose of Amendment”, today’s news from the Church: “53 Prominent Figures in France Oppose Euthanasia”, a preview of this week’s episode of The Catholic Mass #33: “ I Am the Light of the World: A Sermon for the Purification by Abp. Lefebvre”, and today’s thought from the Archbishop.
Saint Martina of Rome is one of the early martyrs whose witness shines precisely because it unfolded without prominence or power. She lived in the third century, likely during the reign of Emperor Alexander Severus or one of his successors, at a time when Christianity remained suspect and periodically dangerous. Martina was born into a noble Roman family and was well educated, yet she chose a life of consecrated virginity and quiet charity. She devoted herself to prayer and to the care of the poor, living simply despite her status. Her holiness was not loud or confrontational, but steady and unmistakable.
When persecution flared, Martina was arrested and brought before Roman authorities. The accounts of her trial emphasize not argument, but constancy. She refused to offer sacrifice to the gods, calmly professing her faith in Christ. Attempts were made to break her resolve through intimidation and torture. Ancient tradition records that she endured imprisonment and physical suffering without renouncing her faith. What struck her persecutors most was her composure. Martina did not respond with anger or defiance. She answered threats with silence and prayer, entrusting herself entirely to God.
According to early sources, Martina was eventually executed for her confession of Christ, likely by beheading. Her martyrdom was not widely recorded at the time, and she did not become immediately famous like some other Roman martyrs. Yet...
