Saint Bibiana

Biography

Saint Bibiana, also known as Viviana, Vivian, or Vibiana, was born in the 4th century in Rome, Italy. She was the daughter of Saint Flavian of Acquapendente and Dafrosa of Acquapendente, who themselves were martyred during the persecutions of Julian the Apostate. Following the death of her parents, Vivian and her sister Demetria were entrusted to a woman named Rufina. However, Rufina attempted to force the sisters into prostitution. Vivian courageously refused to comply with this request, even in the face of great pressure and hardship. Due to her unwavering resistance, Vivian was imprisoned in a madhouse. This cruel confinement was followed by her being subjected to brutal flogging, ultimately leading to her death. It is said that her body was left to the dogs, yet they refused to touch it. Two days later, Vivian was buried in the Pretestato Catacombs in Rome, Italy. Over time, a church was erected on the site of Vivian's burial, and her tomb became a place of veneration. It is in this church that an extraordinary herb, with the power to cure headaches and epilepsy, began to grow in the garden. This, along with Vivian's association with the mentally ill during her time in the madhouse, would later connect her to patronages regarding mental health and healing. Saint Bibiana is often represented in traditional art by various symbols. These include a branch, symbolizing her resilience in refusing to co-operate with Rufina's demands, and a pillar, representing her firmness in faith. Another common representation depicts Bibiana with a green branch covered in twigs and foliage, highlighting her connection to the healing herb that grew near her tomb. Her cult and veneration as a saint continued to grow over the centuries, and ultimately Bibiana was recognized by the Church as a post-congregation saint. Her feast day is celebrated on December 2nd each year. In the year 1855, relics of Saint Bibiana were enshrined in the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows in Los Angeles, California. However, tragedy struck when the church building burned down in August 1865, leading to the loss of these relics. Fortunately, another set of relics was preserved and can be found in the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, also located in Los Angeles, California. Saint Bibiana is revered as the patron saint against epilepsy, hangovers, headaches, insanity, mental illness, and torture. She is also considered a patron for epileptics, mentally ill people, single laywomen, and torture victims. Additionally, Bibiana holds special significance for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in California, as well as the town of Bibiana in Italy.