St Bibiana

Bibiana was born into a Christian family during the early times of the Church.  Her father was a Roman knight who was kicked out of Rome after Apronianus was made Governor.  Governor Apronianus did not like Christians and he wanted to get rid of all the Christians in Rome.  He then killed Bibiana’s mother, leaving Bibiana and her sister Demetria to take care of themselves.  The Governor took everything that Bibiana and Demetria had so that they would have to suffer as poor people.  Instead of being sad about their situation and panicking, Bibiana and her sister spent their time praying and fasting (not eating very much) so that they would become closer to Jesus and be strengthened by Him.  This made the Governor mad and he had the two sisters brought to him.  Demetria told the Governor that she believed in God and she died right after.  Bibiana also told the Governor she believed in God and, as punishment, he gave her to a mean woman who tried to make her sin against God.  No matter how mean the woman was to Bibiana she never gave up her faith in God.  This made the Governor so mad that he had Bibiana put to death.  As she was being killed, she praised God and was joyful because she knew she would be going to heaven to be with Jesus.  She died a martyr for her faith in Jesus.