Symphorosa

Saint Symphorosa was born in the region of Tibur (today’s Tivoli, near Rome), though the date of her birth is unknown. A Christian matron and the wife of Getulius, she shared his faith even as it brought danger in the time of the Roman emperors. Tradition says that Getulius, once a military tribune, left public life after his baptism and was later put to death for Christ; Symphorosa reverently buried him on their estate. Not long afterward, Symphorosa herself was arrested with her seven sons. Refusing to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods, she endured harsh torments and, according to ancient accounts, was thrown into the River Anio with a stone fastened to her neck. Her sons, steadfast in the same confession, were likewise tortured and killed near the Temple of Hercules. The Christian community later recovered and honored their bodies, and devotion to this mother and her sons spread around Tivoli and Rome. Saint Symphorosa is especially honored as patroness of Roccadaspide and Tossicia. Her feast day is July 18.