Saint Galla of Rome

Biography

Saint Galla of Rome, also known as Gallia or Gaia, was born into the Roman nobility as the daughter of Symmachus the Younger, who served as consul in 485. She was also the sister-in-law of Boethius, a well-known philosopher and statesman of the time. Little is known about her early life except that she was a laywoman and married soon after her father's murder. Unfortunately, her married life was short-lived as her husband passed away after only a year of marriage. According to legend, Galla grew a beard to deter further offers of marriage and decided to dedicate herself to a life of piety and seclusion. She became a wealthy and pious recluse, residing on Vatican Hill and joining a community of women near Saint Peter's Basilica. Galla's devotion to serving the poor and sick was deeply rooted in her faith. She founded a convent and hospital to provide care and assistance to those in need. Her selflessness and acts of charity soon gained recognition, and stories of her deeds spread throughout the region. One notable miracle attributed to Galla is the healing of a young deaf and mute girl. It is said that she blessed a vessel of water, and upon the girl drinking from it, she miraculously regained her ability to hear and speak. This story further solidified Galla's reputation as a holy and blessed woman. Saint Gregory the Great, a prominent figure in the Catholic Church, wrote a brief biography of Galla in his Dialogues, which added to her popularity and veneration. Additionally, Saint Fulgentius of Ruspe wrote about her in his work, "Concerning the State of Widowhood," highlighting her as an exemplary figure for widows. A well-known image depicting Galla can be found above the altar of Santa Maria in Campitelli, Italy. It is believed to be based on a vision that Galla received of the Virgin Mary. This vision further deepened her devotion and strengthened her connection to the spiritual realm. Saint Galla of Rome died around 550, a victim of breast cancer. Her feast days are celebrated on April 6th and October 5th on certain calendars. Though she was canonized before the formal establishment of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, her sanctity and virtuous life have been recognized by the Catholic Church. While Saint Galla does not have a specific patronage attributed to her, her life and works continue to inspire individuals who strive to emulate her virtues of selflessness, piety, and dedication to caring for the poor and sick. Her unwavering devotion to God and her commitment to serving others make her a beloved figure in the Catholic faith.