The Church liturgically commemorates the feast of Saint Agrippina, a Roman martyr who lived at the time of Emperor Valerian (153-259). Not called to be married to a believer or unbeliever but called to fully dedicate her life to Christ, Agrippina confessed in public her faith in Christ as Savior for which she was tortured. After being beatened, tradition says, she was chained by the government yet released by an angel. She died from her torture. Initially, Saint Agrippina was buried in Sicily by three Christian women: Bassa, Paula and Agathonice; her relics were later transfered to Constantinople.
Saint Agrippina is often invoked by those who are suffering bacterial infections, evil spirits, leprosy and thunderstorms.
A liturgical hymn recalls Saint Agrippina:
You redeemed us from our sin.
Bringing us new life, guarding us in strife,
Making us Your blood-brought kin.
Praise to You, O Christ our Lord,
Both in heav'n and earth adored!
Let Your martyr's praise
Echo through our days;
Hymning You with one accord!
Let us form a choir, take the heav'nly lyre,
To adorn Your martyr's feast.
Faithful unto death, with her final breath
She proclaimed You King and Priest!
Praise to You, O Christ our Lord,
Both in heav'n and earth adored!
Let Your martyr's praise
Echo through our days;
Hymning You with one accord!
In Your martyr, brave Agrippina,
You show forth Your boundless grace.
Grant that we, inspired, may like her be fired
With the zeal to see Your face!
Praise to You, O Christ our Lord,
Both in heav'n and earth adored!
Let Your martyr's praise
Echo through our days;
Hymning You with one accord!
Leave a comment