Saint Aquilina of Byblos (Syria) was a third-century Red Martyr. White Martyrs are Christians who suffer for the Faith but not unto death, and Red Martyrs are Christians who suffer for the Faith to death. Saint Aquilina is often mistaken for Saint Aquila (Acts 18:2-3), but, Aquilina was a native of Byblos, born to pious Christian parents, who told her friends not to follow the Roman religion - at least one of which converted to Christ. When Diocletian was Emperor of Rome and Gaius Ceionus Rufius Volusianus was Governor of Africa, Aquilina was brought before Volusian for trial as a Christian; he tried to pursuade and flatter her away from Christ, but she remained steadfast. He then had her scourged at a pillar while mocking her faith in Christ. When she still refused to renounce Christ, he drilled into her ears with hot metal rods. She fell down as if dead. Volusian disposed of Aquilina's body. That night, an angel came to awaken and heal the girl, and told her to not be afraid but to denounce the Roman Governor. So she did. Volusian kept her imprisoned until morning, when he sentenced her to death for being a sorceress and traitor to Rome. But before her execution could be carried out, she died. Nonetheless, fearing for his life, the executioner decapitated Aquilina's corpse. Later, in secret, a group of Christians buried the girl's body outside Byblos' walls, where it had been disposed of. Her relics were transported to a basilica named after her in Constantinople, which was later destroyed by a fire. Saint Aquilina was martyred at the age of only twelve. Saint Aquilina's martyrdom is not without legends - the Odor of Sanctity, miracles God wrought through her Relics, etc. - but prudence demands respect and justice: let us ask Saint Aquilina to pray for Syria and its people and let us imitate her love and hope, faith and fortitude, unto the very end. All Content © Respected Owners Santa Barbara Arabic Hymn (Saint Barbara is Syria's Patron)

• published: 27 Jan 2014
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