SAINT OF THE DAY · SEPTEMBER 7

Who was Saint Regina?

Saintly Editorial 2 min read
In short

Saint Regina: A young shepherdess faithful through every trial. Lived third century, dates unknown. From Alise in ancient Gaul. Lay virgin and Christian martyr. Honored by pilgrims at Alise. Witnessed Christ unto death. Saintly remembers this saint on September 7.

  • Lived third century, dates unknown
  • From Alise in ancient Gaul
  • Lay virgin and Christian martyr
  • Honored by pilgrims at Alise
  • Witnessed Christ unto death

Who was Saint Regina?

Regina lived at Alise in ancient Gaul, a region later called Burgundy. Tradition says her father, Clement, was a pagan citizen. Her mother died when Regina was born. A Christian woman cared for the child and taught her the faith. Regina grew up among sheep and open hills. Her quiet life was about to change.

Regina’s father rejected her Christian faith. He sent her away to live with the woman who had raised her. Regina earned her bread as a shepherdess. She carried a staff and watched the flock through long days. Her work was humble, and her faith remained firm. Then a powerful official noticed her.

The official was Olybrius, a Roman governor. He wanted Regina to marry him. Her good family background made her attractive to him. Regina refused because she had given herself to Christ. Her father then accepted the proposed marriage, hoping to regain honor. Regina still refused. Olybrius ordered her arrest.

Regina was taken before Olybrius and told to abandon Christ. She would not worship the Roman gods. The governor sent her to prison. The cell was dark and cold. According to her traditional story, a luminous cross appeared there, and a white dove brought her consolation. Morning came, but freedom did not.

Olybrius ordered Regina to be tortured on the rack, a wooden frame used to stretch prisoners. Torches burned against her body. The Roman Martyrology remembers her imprisonment, torture, burning, and final sentence. The suffering was public, yet Regina remained faithful. The governor then gave the order for her execution.

Regina’s witness centered on a clear confession. Jesus Christ was her Lord. She would not trade that confession for safety, marriage, or approval. Her story does not preserve speeches or long journeys. It preserves a young woman standing before power with steady courage. The final trial waited outside the prison door.

Regina was beheaded at Alise and went to what the Martyrology calls her spouse, Christ. Tradition says a shining dove appeared above her execution and moved some onlookers toward faith. Christians honored her memory for centuries. Her body was later carried to Flavigny in 864, where pilgrims continued to venerate her.

What can we learn from Saint Regina today?

  • When pressured to hide your faith, answer calmly as Regina answered Olybrius.
  • Place a small cross near your work today, remembering Regina’s shepherd life.
  • Refuse one desire for approval that would weaken your Christian honesty today.

Saint Regina’s story comes from an early Christian memory joined to later tradition. The Church remembers her as a young woman who remained faithful under pressure and torture. Her name endured at Alise, where pilgrims honored her. May her courage strengthen every quiet confession of Christ made today.

When is the feast day of Saint Regina?

Saintly remembers Saint Regina on September 7, when the story above is the saint of the day in the app. Read how the Church declares someone a saint, or how to choose a patron saint.

Sources

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