Marina

Saint Marina of Aguas Santas, also called Marina of Ourense, is traditionally said to have been born in Xinzo de Limia in Roman Galicia, and associated especially with Aguas Santas near Ourense, sometime in the early second century. Raised in a rural household, she embraced the Christian faith and received baptism, a choice that set her at odds with the expectations of her Roman world. While tending cattle as a young girl, she drew the attention of a Roman official, often named Olibrio, who sought to claim her; when she refused, she was denounced as a Christian. Brought to trial under imperial decrees against the new faith, Marina would not renounce Christ or offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. She endured imprisonment and torture and, remaining steadfast, was condemned and beheaded. Devotion remembers that a spring miraculously flowed where her blood touched the earth, giving the place its name, “Holy Waters,” long honored by pilgrims seeking healing. Venerated widely in Galicia and beyond, she is patroness of many towns, including Cigales and Ourense. Her feast day is July 18.