Saint Christina
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| Saint Christina | |
|---|---|
 Hl. Christina, historistische Plastik (um 1889) von Moriz Schlachter, Pfarrkirche St. Christina, Ravensburg |
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| Born | 3rd Century, Persia |
| Died | 3rd Century |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church |
| Major shrine | Palermo |
| Feast | July 24 |
 Saints Portal |
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According to Catholic and Orthodox tradition, Saint Christina was a saint and martyr allegedly born in Persia during the 3rd century or 5th century. Her feast day is July 24. Very little is known about her life.
[edit] Legend of Saint Christina
Historical information about Christina is scarce, but several folk legends and hagiographies have arisen about her. These accounts vary widely, but seem to agree on some details: Christina was the daughter of a wealthy pagan magistrate named Urban/Urbain who had his daughter tortured because of her faith, but not before God thwarted his efforts on several occasions. The nature of the torture varies with each telling, and can include iron hooks, grilling by fire, placement in a furnace, torture on the wheel, assault by snakes, assailment by arrows, drowning at sea, and other assorted methods. In all versions of the tale Christina eventually perishes, but not before God exhibits his wrath by lashing out at her tormentors. Christina's relics are said to be kept in Palermo, of which Christina is one of four patron saints.
[edit] Origins of the legend
Because evidence of Christina's life and martyrdom is scant, some scholars have concluded that her legend is the result of pious fiction being mistaken for history. The theme of her legend (a beautiful Christian maiden is tortured to death by pagan men, who in return suffer the wrath of God) is repeated in many pre-congregation hagiographies, particularly that of Saint Barbara.
