Saint Basilla

Saint Basilla of Rome, also known as Basilissa and Babilla, was a noblewoman born into a Roman family during the 3rd century. According to tradition, she was a niece of Emperor Gallienus and converted to Christianity under Pope Cornelius, who baptized her. She refused to marry Pompeius (or Pompey), a patrician and pagan of equal rank, because of her faith. Consequently, she was betrayed by him and beheaded in 257 during the reign of Emperor Valerian. Her steadfastness in her Christian beliefs led to her martyrdom. Basilla's body was initially buried in the cemetery and catacombs of Saint Hermes on the Salarian Way near Rome. In the 9th century, her remains were moved to the Basilica of Santa Prassede, where they remained until 1654 when her relics were discovered at the Hôtel-Dieu de Bayeux. Her feast day is celebrated on May 20.