June 2
Saint Blandina
Slave, Martyr
(Around 162 – 177)
“I am a Christian, and nothing vile is done amongst us.”
Saint Blandina
Saint’s Life Story
Her Early Life
Very little is known about Blandina’s early life. Around 162, she was born into slavery and eventually became a servant in the city of Lugdunum, Gaul (located in modern Lyon, France). Blandina was a slave belonging to a Christian household. Despite her lowly status, she embraced the Christian faith wholeheartedly. Blandina’s strong devotion and profound faith in Christ shaped her character and guided her actions throughout her life. Every qualifier that is used to describe her – young, frail, female slave – is meant to emphasize her weakness and consequently God’s strength.
Arrested
Christianity had first come to Lyons over 25 years earlier when Saint Polycarp of Smyrna (in modern Turkey) had sent as a missionary to Gaul. Saint Pothinus had diligently established the church of Christ in Lyon and nearby Viennes and became Bishop.
In the year 177, the Christian community in Lyon faced severe persecution. Blandina, along with several other Christians that included the 92-year-old bishop of Lyons, Saint Pothinus, and Sanctus, a deacon from Vienne, were singled out by a pagan mob. They were arrested and brought before the authorities to face trial.
During the reign of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, rumors circulated about Christians that they committed incense and cannibalism (a literal interpretation of Christians’ consuming the Body and Blood of Christ) when they came together. These rumors were the result of slaves being tortured into giving false testimonies about their masters. The Roman authorities, believing the rumors, gave permission for all Christian citizens who did not renounce their faith to be beheaded. In addition, all Christian slaves were allowed to be tortured.
Blandina was a Christian slave, which meant there was no limit to the torment her Roman captors could inflict on her. Through all this, Blandina refused to give up her faith and to give any information.
Amazing Faith Even When Tortured
When the local authorities learned of Blandina’s faith, they questioned her under brutal torture. She responded the same way to every question: “I am a Christian, and we commit no wrongdoing.” The torturers eventually became exhausted and had to stop, but Blandina persevered.
Blandina’s steadfast faith inspired Sanctus, a quite recent convert, and strengthened him.
Some Christians that included Maturus, Sanctus, and Attalus were taken to the amphitheater where wild beasts would devour them to “entertain” the crowd. Among this group was also Blandina, who had already endured every imaginable torture and cruelty. Blandina was suspended on a stake and exposed to the wild beasts. Because she appeared to be hanging on a cross and because of her intense prayers, she inspired the other Christians. When they looked at her they were reminded of Christ who was crucified for them and that everyone who suffered for the glory of Christ would enjoy eternal fellowship with the living God. None of the beasts touched Blandina at the time. So, she was taken down from the stake and cast into prison. Even these spectators saw something they did not expect: Blandina was praying not only for her fellow Christians, but for her executioners themselves.
Her Martyrdom
Her martyrdom was described in a letter which might have been written by Saint Irenaeus of Lyons and has been preserved by Saint Eusebius of Caesarea (who wrote after Diocletian’s persecution).
On the last day of the contests in the amphitheater, Blandina was again brought in with Ponticus, a boy of about 15. Every day they had been brought to witness the sufferings of others and pressed to deny their faith and swear by idols. Ponticus died first. Blandina had encouraged many others and saw them go on before her to Jesus. Now, she was ready to hasten after them.
Blandina faced her death rejoicing-as if being called to a marriage feast rather than wild beasts. After Blandina had been scourged, exposed to wild beasts, roasted in an iron chair, she was finally enclosed in a net and cast before a bull. While the bull was tossing her in the air, Blandina felt none of the things which were happening to her due to her hope and her communion with Christ. Like the others before her, Blandina died a martyr in 177 in Lugdunum (modern day Lyon, France) with her executioners killing her with a gladiator’s sword. The heathens who tortured her acknowledged that never among them did woman endure so many and such fearful tortures.
After her death, what remained of Blandina’s body was burned, and the ashes were thrown into the Rhone river. However, as a testament to her enduring memory, some relics were recovered and are now preserved in the church of Saint-Leu in Amiens, France.
Not forgotten – Blandina and her fellow martyrs are memorialized by a pole marker that you can visit today at the place of their martyrdom in the ancient amphitheater at Lyons. Saint Blandina is one of the Martyrs of Lyons and Vienne.
Born: Around 162 in in Lugdunum, Gaul (modern day Lyon, France)
Died: 177 in Lugdunum, Gaul (modern day Lyon, France)
Beatified: Pre-Congregation
Canonized: Pre-Congregation
Feast Day: June 2
Patron Saint: Falsely Accused People; Girls; Lyon, France; Servants; Torture Victims; Vienne, France
Reflection
Saint Blandina’s life and martyrdom serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of steadfast faith, even in the face of great adversity. She persevered under extreme torture because she clothed herself in Christ. During all this, Saint Blandina prayed not only for her fellow Christians, but also for her executioners themselves. A true model for us on turning the other cheek.
While we may not have to persevere the tortures of our enemies, like Saint Blandina, how can you persevere and “turn the other cheek” praying today for someone who maybe difficult to deal with that makes your life “torturous”?
Prayers
Saint Blandina,
You who in the face of torment, remained unshaken, proclaiming your faith with boldness and grace.
Grant us, through your intercession, the courage to stand firm in our beliefs, even amidst adversity.
May we find solace in your example, drawing strength from your unwavering trust in God’s love.
May we be granted the graces we need to faithfully follow the path of righteousness and have the courage to live out our faith with boldness, bearing witness to Your love in all we do.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.
Saint Blandina, pray for us. Amen.
Saint Links
A Dictionary Of Saintly Women, Volume 1 by Agnes B. C. Dunbar – St. Blandina
Aleteia – What do this saint and salad from France have in common?
All Saints & Martyrs – Saint Blandina the Slave
Rev Alban Butler’s Lives Of The Saints Complete Edition – SS Pothinus and Companions, The Martyrs of Lyons and Vienne
Catholic Culture – St. Blandina
Catholic Online – St. Blandina
CatholicSaints.Info – Saints of the Day – Blandina – by Katherine I Rabenstein
CatholicSaints.Info – Virgin Saints and Martyrs – Blandina the Slave Sabine Baring-Gould
Editions Magnificant – Saints Pothinus, Sanctus, Attalus, Blandina and Forty-Eight other Martyrs of Lyons († 177)
Melanie Rigney – Blandina
New Advent – Kirsch, J.P. (1907). St. Blandina. In The Catholic Encyclopedia
Place for Truth – Blandina – God’s Strength in Weakness
Video Link
Saints Pothinus, Sanctus, Attalus, and Blandina| Voice of Saints| June 02 – YouTube (Saints Fans Association)