Fusca of Ravenna

Saint Fusca of Ravenna was born in Ravenna, Italy, in the mid-third century, the daughter of a nobleman. As a young girl she was entrusted to the care of her father’s slave, Maura, who became her nurse and spiritual companion. Under the guidance of the priest Ermolar, Fusca and Maura received baptism, choosing Christ in a time when such faith could cost one’s life. During the Decian persecution, Fusca’s own father denounced them to the local judge. Condemned for their Christian faith, Fusca—said to be only fifteen years old—and Maura suffered martyrdom in Ravenna around AD 250, bearing witness with a courage beyond their years. Soon after, Fusca’s grave became a place of pilgrimage, a quiet testimony that the blood of martyrs strengthens the Church. In later invasions her relics were hidden for safety on the island of Torcello near Venice, and devotion spread widely, especially in Istria, where she is venerated as Foška. Saint Fusca is honored as patroness of Agrons, Borgnano, Casacorba, and Žminj. Her feast day is February 13.