Feast day of St. Sabina

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According to legend, Sabina was born in Vindena, Umbria, and became the wife of a notable person having the name Valentine. She was converted to the faith by her maid Serapia, a Christian virgin. When Serapia died a martyr’s death (her feast occurs on September 3 in the Roman Martyrology), Sabina gave her servant’s holy body an honorable burial. On that account she was cast into prison by Emperor Hadrian and brought before the judge Elpidius. “Are you Sabina, illustrious by family and marriage?” he asked. “Yes, I am,” came the reply, “but I thank my Savior Jesus Christ that through His servant Serapia He has freed me from the power of hell.” Due to her contempt of the gods, she was condemned to death. Christians buried her body in the same grave as her teacher in the faith.

—Excerpted from The Church’s Year of Grace, Pius Parsch

Things to Do:

• Read this account of St. Sabina from Butler’s Lives of the Saints.
• Make a virtual visit to the Basilica of Santa Sabina in Rome. This is another site to visit. 
• See origins and transformations over the years for Santa Sabina. 
• The Church of Santa Sabina is well-known because it is the first Station Church of Lent, opening on Ash Wednesday. It has been a few years since the pope came on Ash Wednesday, but Pope Benedict XVI visited on February 22, 2012. The last time was in 2020. Pope Francis was returning for 2022, but had to cancel due to health reasons.