Blandina

Saint Blandina was born around 162, though the place of her birth is unknown. She lived as a Christian slave in Lugdunum, modern Lyon, France, and was arrested during the fierce persecution that struck the Church there under Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Frail in body, she seemed an unlikely witness, and her fellow believers feared she would break under torture. Yet again and again, through interrogations and brutal punishments, she answered with calm courage: “I am a Christian, and we commit no wrongdoing.” Blandina was brought into the amphitheater during public games and endured humiliations meant to crush her faith. Bound to a stake like one crucified, she prayed with steadfast love for her companions and even for her captors. Her constancy strengthened the young martyr Ponticus and heartened the whole suffering Church. After days of torment, she was finally killed, sealing her testimony with blood. Venerated as a Christian martyr and model of endurance in Christ, Saint Blandina is remembered on June 2.