Thecla

Saint Thecla was born in Iconium (in today’s Turkey), a young noblewoman whose heart was seized by the Gospel through the preaching of Saint Paul. Tradition says she listened for days from her window, and in that quiet perseverance found the courage to break her engagement, embrace Christ, and follow the apostle in a life of chastity and discipleship. Her new faith quickly drew opposition: Paul was imprisoned and driven out, and Thecla herself was condemned to death. Yet again and again she was delivered—saved from the flames by a sudden storm and later protected in the arena from wild beasts, signs that God guarded His servant amid public hatred. Clothed for travel and mission, Thecla is remembered as a fearless witness who encouraged others, especially women, to live with undivided devotion to the Lord. Later devotion places her long years of prayer and healing near Seleucia and in Syria, where pilgrims still honor her memory. She is patroness of Biniamar, Este, Malosco, Mirto, Santa Tecla, and Tarragona. Her feast day is September 24.