Columba of Sens

Saint Columba of Sens was born, according to ancient tradition, in Galicia in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula, to a noble pagan family. As a child she fled her homeland, drawn to the beauty of the Christian faith and seeking safety from those who might denounce believers. In Gaul she received baptism and the name Columba, meaning “dove,” and eventually made her home at Sens. During the reign of the emperor Aurelian, her nobility and purity drew unwanted attention. When she steadfastly refused to marry his son and would not renounce Christ, she was imprisoned and subjected to cruel threats. The Lord’s providence was shown in the legends surrounding her martyrdom: a fierce she-bear protected her from violation, and a sudden rain extinguished the flames meant to consume her. At last, around the year 273, Columba was beheaded, sealing her witness as a virgin martyr. Her relics were long honored at Sens, inspiring pilgrimage and prayer. She is especially venerated in Charvensod, Santa Comba de Bértola, and Vilaboa. Her feast day is December 31.