St. Afra
Facts
Martyr and penitent, listed in some records as the daughter of the king of Cyprus. Afra was caught up in the persecutions of Emperor Diocletian in Roman Augsburg. She is listed in the Martyrology Hieronymianum. Afra possibly operated a brothel in Augsburg or served as a prostitute in the temple of Venus, living with her mother, Hilaria, and serving women Eunomia, Eutropia, and Digna. When the persecutions started in Augsburg, Bishop Narcissus of Gerona, Spain, arrived in the city and took lodging with Afra and Hilaria, not knowing their profession. His holiness attracted the women, who converted. When officials came looking for the bishop, Afra hid him under a pile of flax. Afra and her household were baptized, and her uncle Dionysius was ordained as a bishop. Arrested, Afra was burned to death, tied to a tree on the small island of Lech. She was buried in Augsburg and her mother erected a chapel for her tomb. Soon after, Hilaria and her serving women were burned alive in their house. Afra's remains were buried in a church named after her. Pilgrims visited her shrine as early as 565. In 1012, the Benedictine monastery of St. Ulrich and St. Afra displayed her sarcophagus. The Acts of Afra give an account of her martyrdom.
More Saints
Saint Videos
More Saint Videos
Saint Feast Days by Month
Saint of the Day
St. Maximilian Kolbe
St. Maximilian Kolbe was born as Raymund Kolbe on January 8, 1894, in the Kingdom of Poland, part of the Russian Empire. He was a Polish Conventual Franciscan friar and a martyr in the German death ... continue reading
More Saint of the DayFemale Saints
St. Julia
Yes, there is a St. Julia and here is her story: St. Julia was born of noble parents in South Africa. When she was still quite young, her city was conquered by barbarians. Julia was captured and sold as a slave to a pagan merchant, but she did not complain or feel ... continue reading
More Female SaintsMore Female Saints
Angels
St. Michael the Archangel
Saint Michael the Archangel isn't a saint, but rather he is an angel, and the leader of all angels and of the army of God. This is what the title "Archangel" means, that he is above all the others in rank. St. Michael has four main responsibilities or offices, as we ... continue reading
St. Gabriel, the Archangel
St. Gabriel is an angel who serves as a messenger for God to certain people. He is one of the three archangels. Gabriel is mentioned in both the Old and the New Testaments of the Bible. First, in the Old Testament, Gabriel appears to the prophet Daniel to explain his ... continue reading
Saints Fun Facts
St. Henry
St. Henry, son of Henry, Duke of Bavaria, and of Gisella, daughter of Conrad, King of Burgundy, was born in 972. He received an excellent education under the care of St. Wolfgang, Bishop of Ratisbon. In 995, St. Henry succeeded his father as Duke of Bavaria, and in ... continue reading
St. Hilary
Pope from 461-468 and guardian of Church unity. He was born in Sardinia, Italy, and was a papal legate to the Robber Council of Ephesus in 449, barely escaping with his life from this affair. Hilary was used by Pope St. Leo I the Great on many assignments. When Leo ... continue reading
More Saints
Christian Saints & Heroes
Who Are The Youngest Catholic Saints?
By Becky Roach
It was recently announced that a teenager is among the seven new saints Pope Francis will canonize in October. Blessed Nunzio Sulprizio lived his life in tremendous pain, yet patiently gave all his trials to the Lord. He died at the age of 19. This news has led many to ... continue reading
More Christian Saints & HeroesLatest
by Catholic Online
- Daily Reading for Thursday, August 16th, 2018 HD Video
- Prayer Requests Live for Monday, August 13th, 2018 HD Video
- Autoridad del Vaticano y vicepresidente de EEUU condenan violencia en ...
- Recuerdan vida de sacerdote que murio por oponerse al regimen de Hitler
- St. Maximilian Kolbe: Saint of the Day for Tuesday, August 14, 2018
- Daily Readings for Tuesday, August 14, 2018
- Pittsburgh bishop says not all grand jury accusations are ...
Latest Videos
on YouTube
Daily Readings
Daily Reading for Tuesday August 14, 2018
Reading 1, Ezekiel 2:8--3:4
Psalm, Psalms 119:14, 24, 72, 103, 111, 131
Gospel, Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14
Saint of the Day
St. Maximilian Kolbe
August 14: St. Maximilian Kolbe was born as Raymund Kolbe on ... Read More
Information
Learn about Catholic world
Catholic Online
Inform - Inspire - Ignite
Catholic Online Saints
Your saints explained
Catholic Online Prayers
Prayers for every need
Catholic Online Bible
Complete bible online
Catholic Online News
Your news Catholic eye
Daily Reading
Today's bible reading
Lent / Easter
Death & resurrection of Jesus
Advent / Christmas
Birth of Jesus
Rest of Catholic Online
All Catholic world we offer
Services
Products and services we offer
Catholic Online Shopping
Catholic medals, gifts & books
The California Network
Inspiring streaming service
Advertise on Catholic Online
Your ads on catholic.org
Catholic Online Email
Email with Catholic feel
Catholic Online Singles
Safe, secure Catholic dating
The California Studios
World-class post production service
Education
Learn the Catholic way
Catholic Online School
Free Catholic education for all
Student Classes
K-12 & Adult Education Classes
School Teachers
Teacher lesson plans & resources
Support Free Education
Tax deductible support Free education
Socials
Connect with us online
Catholic Online on Facebook
Catholic social network
Catholic Online on Twitter
Catholic Tweets
Catholic Online on YouTube
Enjoy our videos
Catholic Online on Instagram
Shared Catholic moments
Catholic Online on Pinterest
Catholic ideas style inspiration
Prayer Pillow Cases ALL NEW! $3 OFF