Saint Cyriaca | |
|---|---|
| Martyr | |
| Born | Rome, Roman Empire |
| Died | 249 |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church |
| Canonized | Pre-congregation |
| Major shrine | Santa Maria in Domnica, Rome, Italy |
| Feast | 21 August |
Cyriaca, also known as Dominica, was a Roman widow, and patroness to St. Lawrence, and eventually suffered martyrdom.
Cyriaca was a wealthy Roman widow who sheltered persecuted Christians.[1] St. Lawrence used her home in Rome to give food to the poor. After his death, she brought his remains to a catacomb that had been dug into a hill on land she owned. This is now the site of San Lorenzo fuori le mura.[2]
Cyriaca suffered martyrdom, by being scourged to death for her faith.[3]
St. Cyriaca is commemorated on August 21.
