Columba of Sens

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See Columba (disambiguation), St Columb and Sainte-Colombe for other uses

Saint Columba of Sens (c.257 in Spain-beheaded 273) was a saintly virgin associated with Sens in France and a fountain named d'Azon.

Her whole his history is somewhat legendary. It is reported that, at the age of 16, she fled Spain for Gaul (modern France) to escape the persecutions of Emperor Aurelian. She was located, and imprisoned. While she was in prison, one of the gaolers tried to rape her. A bear that was being used at a nearby amphitheatre attacked the guard and rescued her. However, she was later martyred at Meaux.

A chapel was built at the grave, followed later by the Abbey of Sens. Other churches in France have borne her name. She is also said to have been patroness of the parish church of Chevilly in the Diocese of Paris.

In art, Saint Columba is portrayed as a crowned maiden in chains. At times she may (1) have a dog or bear on a chain, (2) hold a book and a peacock's feather, (3) be with an angel on a funeral pyre, or (4) be beheaded