Cyriaca, also known as Dominica, was a Roman widow, and patroness to St. Lawrence, and eventually suffered martyrdom.

Saint Cyriaca
Martyr
BornRome, Roman Empire
Died249
Venerated inRoman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church
CanonizedPre-congregation
Major shrineSanta Maria in Domnica, Rome, Italy
Feast21 August

Life

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Cyriaca was a wealthy Roman widow who sheltered persecuted Christians.[1] St. Lawrence used her home in Rome to give food to the poor. After his death, she brought his remains to a catacomb that had been dug into a hill on land she owned. This is now the site of San Lorenzo fuori le mura.[2]

Cyriaca suffered martyrdom, by being scourged to death for her faith.[3]

St. Cyriaca is commemorated on August 21.

References

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