Marciana of Mauretania

Marciana (also Marciana of Toledo)[1] (died 303) is venerated as a martyr and saint.

Saint Marciana
The Martyrdom of Saint Marciana. 15th century French manuscript.
Martyr
Died303
Caesarea, Mauretania Caesariensis
Venerated inRoman Catholic Church
FeastJanuary 9
Attributesrepresented as a maiden gored by a bull; sometimes depicted with a leopard and bull near her; martyr's palm
Patronageinvoked to cure wounds

Her legend states that she was a virgin from Rusucurru in Mauretania Caesariensis (now Algeria) who retired to live a life of penance in Caesarea. During the persecutions of Christians by Roman Emperor Diocletian, she was accused of having smashed a statue of Diana. Marciana was thrown to the wild beasts in the amphitheatre of Caesarea. She was gored by a bull and mauled to death by a leopard.[2]

Veneration

The Mozarabic office had a special hymn in her honor.[3]

References
  1. Gordini, Gian Domenico. "Marciana di Cesarea di Mauritania", Santi e Beati, October 9, 2002
  2. St. Marciana - Catholic Online
  3. Odden, Per Einer. "Den hellige Marciana av Mauretania (d. 303)", Den katolske kirke, December 15, 1997
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