Anastasia of Rome

Saint Anastasia of Rome was born in Rome, though the year of her birth is unknown. Orphaned at only three years old, she was taken in and raised within a convent, where the love of Christ became the center of her life. As she grew, Anastasia embraced a strict and joyful asceticism, gaining a reputation for purity of heart, prayer, and steadfast devotion. In the mid-third century, when Emperor Decius unleashed a fierce persecution against Christians, Anastasia’s hidden life of consecration was brought into the open. She was arrested for her faith and handed over to a city administrator named Probus. Refusing to renounce Christ, she endured harsh tortures with remarkable courage. At last, she sealed her witness with the ultimate offering, being beheaded around the year 250. Venerated as a virgin and martyr, Saint Anastasia is honored as a patron of Buddusò and Santa Severina. Her feast day is celebrated on October 29.