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Saints Rufina and Secunda were two Christian martyrs born in Rome, whose lives and martyrdom are documented by numerous authoritative sources, including the Martyrologium Hieronymianum, various Roman pilgrim itineraries, the Notitia Ecclesiarum by William of Malmesbury, and above all, the Roman Martyrology, which commemorates them on July 10. They were martyred near Rome in a place called sylva nigra (“dark forest”) around the year 260.
She experienced mystical phenomena, had visions of Hell and Purgatory, and even received the stigmata—so much so that the Inquisition became suspicious. After a thorough investigation, however, they confirmed the authenticity of her experiences.
“As soon as Peter recognized the Lord, he threw himself into the water and reached Him, while the others arrived by boat. [This event…] is a sign of Peter’s unique authority as Pontiff […]. [Peter] was given governance over the whole world, not just a single boat like the other Apostles.
A martyr of the faith at only 12 years of age, Maria Goretti chose to die rather than give in to the sexual advances of a violent young man, her neighbor. Faced with his repeated attempts, she always firmly refused, wanting to remain pure. Eventually, blinded by passion, the young man fatally attacked her. But before dying, Maria forgave him and said she wished to have him with her in Heaven.
“It is truly the mark of great hearts to serve others without expecting anything in return” so often said Saint Anthony Zaccaria.
He was born into a noble family in Cremona, Italy in 1502. Left fatherless at an early age, he was lovingly raised by his mother, who was herself still very young.
Isabella of Aragon, Queen of Portugal, distinguished herself through her dedication to promoting peace among rulers and her generosity toward the poor. After the death of her husband, King Denis, she chose to consecrate her life to God by joining the Third Order of Saint Clare in the convent of Estremoz, which she herself had founded.
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