SAINTS OF THE DAY

WEDNESDAY, 19 JULY, 2023

SAINTS JUSTA AND RUFINA

MARTYRS

(Born: Justa - 268 AD; Rufina - 270 AD AND Martyrdom: 287 AD)

The two sisters Justa (born 268) and Rufina (born 270) lived in Seville, Spain, were artists—the makers of fine earthenware pottery (they are today the patron saints of potters). The sale supported not only these holy young women, but many of the city's poor. Each day, Justa and Rufina would rise early, creating beautiful pots and vessels, which they would then carry on their shoulders to the marketplace. The proceeds from their sales were invariably donated or given away to those in need.

Born into a poor, but pious Christian family, Justa and Rufina were educated in their home regarding the faith. At a young age, both pledged their virginity, becoming brides of Christ. Their deep faith extended to their work—the sisters refused to sell their wares to those who would use them in pagan celebrations or in sacrifice to the Roman gods.

One day, people who were celebrating a pagan festival honoring the Roman gods came to the sisters' booth. They wanted to buy pots to use in their worship services. Justa and Rufina refused, explaining that they were followers of Christ and did not believe in false gods. Justa and Rufina retaliated by smashing a statue of the pagan goddess, Venus. In anger, the townspeople broke all of their dishes and pots. The sisters were arrested immediately.

The city's prefect, Diogenianus, encouraged by the rampant persecution of Christians under orders of the Emperor, ordered the holy sisters tortured until they renounced their faith in Christ. He had them tortured on the rack and with iron hooks. An idol was placed near the rack with incense, and the sisters were told that if they would offer sacrifice, they would be released. However, their faith in Christ was not shaken. Following their horrific torture, the sisters were ordered to walk barefoot to Sierra Morena, a distant journey, without food or water. There, they were again thrown into prison, neither their spirits nor their faith broken.

Having no success in encouraging the saints to renounce Christ, Diogenianus ordered Justa killed, believing that her death would break Rufina's resolve. Justa was killed upon the rack, her body thrown into a well was later recovered by Bishop Sabinus. The prefect, Diogenianus, believed that the death of Justa would break Rufina's resolve.

However, Rufina, deeply grieved, continued to express her faith in Christ refused to renounce her faith and was thrown to the lions. However, the lion refused to attack her, remaining as docile as a house cat. Infuriated, Diogenianus had Rufina strangled then beheaded and her body burned. Her body was also recovered by Sabinus and buried alongside her sister in 287 AD

The Bishop Sabinus recovered the relics of both saints, and buried them beside each other in 287.

-From_-www.catholico.org

PATRON: Seville; potters; guilds of alfareros (potters) and cacharreros (sellers of pottery).

PRAYER: Dear God, give me courage, or perhaps I lack it more than anything else. I need courage before men against their threats and against their seductions. I need courage to bear unkindness, mockery, contradiction. I need courage to fight against the devil, against terrors and troubles, temptations, attractions, darkness and false lights, against tears, depression, and above all fear. I need Your help, dear God. Strengthen me with Your love and Your grace. Console me with Your blessed Presence and grant me the courage to persevere until I am with You forever in heaven. Amen.