Saint Apollonia

Saint Apollonia was born in Alexandria, Egypt, though the details of her early life are unknown. She lived as a consecrated virgin and was held in high esteem among the Christians of her city, likely serving the Church as a deaconess. Around the year 248, during a violent local uprising against Christians, Apollonia was seized by a hostile mob. In a cruel attempt to force her to deny Christ, they beat her and shattered or tore out her teeth. They then threatened to burn her alive unless she spoke words of blasphemy or invoked the pagan gods. Steadfast in faith, Apollonia asked for a brief moment of freedom and, choosing fidelity to Jesus over life itself, she stepped into the flames and was martyred. Her courageous witness quickly inspired devotion in both East and West. Because of her torment, she is especially invoked by those suffering toothache and is honored as a patroness of dentistry, as well as of places such as Ariccia and Cantù. Her feast day is February 9.