Saint of the Day – 12 April – Saint Vissia (Died c250) Virgin Martyr of Fermo, Ascoli, Piaceno, Italy. Born on an unknown date in Fermo and died there during the persecution of Emperior Decius in around 250.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Fermo in the Marches, St Vissia, Virgin and Martyr.”
The life of our Saint Vissia is shrouded in mystery. The Roman Martyrology attests to her veneration, as explained below but is silent on biographical details .
Saint Vissia, who ennobled her hometown by her Martyrdom, her name being part of a list of Saints vnerated in Fermo, was on 5 August 1581 sent by a local Prelate to an Oratorian Priest and friend of Cesare Baronio, who, as is well known, compiled the first ‘Roman Martyrology’ and included the holy virgins and Martyr on 12 April.
The presence of the skulls of 2 Virgin Martyrs of Fermo in separate Reliquaries in Fermo Cathedral, suggests a possible contemporary Martyrdom, perhaps by beheading, during the 7th persecution under Emperor Decius (249-251).
Local tradition places their sacrifice around 250, while an inscription in the Cathedral celebrates Vissia as the glory of her native City. The uncertainty regarding the dates and circumstances of her Martyrdom does not obscure the popular devotion paid to her and her fellow Virgin and Martyr, St Sophia.
AnaStpaul 