2 December, Santa Bibiana, history and prayer of the martyr

Tomorrow, Thursday 2 December 2021, the Church commemorates Santa Bibiana.

A connection that still remains in the collective imagination today, since its name has ended up becoming synonymous with vitality, liveliness and fullness of life.

Born in Rome in 352, Bibiana (also called Viviana o Vibiana), according to Passio Bibianae written in the seventh century, it should be counted among the victims of the anti-Christian persecution of Julian the Apostata.

A story now considered unreliable from a historical point of view, but which inspired the iconography of the saint and fostered popular devotion to the young martyr over the centuries.

Invoked against the headache, the cramps,epilepsyto the'alcoholism and accidents, Bibiana has - in popular tradition - its meteorological importance too, if it is true that on the day of its feast it is possible to draw significant forecasts on the course of winter. In the XNUMXth century Pope Simplicius he dedicated the church on the Esquiline to Santa Bibiana.

The date of the death of the Saint, which took place in Rome, oscillates between 361 and 363. According to the legend, her body came, on the orders of Apronian (supporter of paganism), exposed to stray dogs, which left him perfectly unharmed. The remains were collected by the presbyter Giovanni, who placed them in his father's palace, then entrusted to Olympia (or Olimpina), a Roman matron, a relative of Flaviano.

Prayer in Santa Bibiana

O Lord Jesus, who in the martyrdom of your servant Bibiana gave us an admirable sage of fortitude and love of God, grant that by exercising these virtues as well, we may one day come to enjoy you in heaven.