Justina of Padua

Saint Justina of Padua was born in Padua, Italy, to a noble family, sometime between the first and third centuries. Tradition remembers her as the long-awaited child of Vitalian, a wealthy prefect, and his wife, who came to faith through the preaching of Saint Prosdocimus, Padua’s first bishop. From her earliest years Justina loved Christ deeply and, desiring to belong to Him alone, she embraced a vow of perpetual virginity. When persecution of Christians intensified under Diocletian and Maximian, Justina did not hide her faith. She visited imprisoned believers, strengthening them with compassion and courage. Seized near Padua and brought before the prefect Maximian, she endured threats and persuasion without wavering. Remaining steadfast in her confession of Christ, she was condemned and put to death by the sword, a virgin martyr whose witness has inspired generations. Venerated as patroness of Padua and honored in many places, she is invoked especially in Arcugnano, Auronzo di Cadore, Enego, and other communities that bear her name. Her feast day is October 7.