Saint Onorata

Saint Honorata of Pavia, born in Pavia and sister to Bishop Epiphanius (+496), was a consecrated virgin dedicated to God by her brother. She was one of four pious sisters—Speciosa, Luminosa, Liberata, and Honorata—who were later venerated as virgins. Honorata's life details come from Ennodius’s biography of her brother. During Odoacer's 476 sack of Pavia, she was captured but ransomed by Epiphanius along with other prisoners. She lived a life of prayer and charity until her death in sanctity on January 11, 500, in Pavia. She is buried beside Epiphanius in St. Vincent's Church. In art, Honorata appears in a tunic holding a book. Her feast day is celebrated on the anniversary of her death.