Justa and Rufina

Saints Justa and Rufina were two sisters of Seville in Spain, potters by trade, who suffered under Diocletian, around 287 (according to the legend, in the third century). They are the main patron saints of Seville.

The legend says they lived in the Triana district, born of a poor but pious family, Justa in 268 and Rufina in 270. They made earthenware, from which they supported themselves and helped many of the poor. They sold their wares from booths in the open air. During a pagan festival they refused to sell vessels for its rites; the locals, in anger, broke all their goods, and the sisters retaliated by smashing an image of Venus. They were seized and brought before the prefect Diogenianus, tortured on the rack and with iron hooks, and forced to walk barefoot to the Sierra Morena. When this did not break their resolve, they were imprisoned without water or food. Justa died first; her body was thrown into a well and later recovered by Bishop Sabinus. Diogenianus believed that Justa's death would crush Rufina, but she refused to renounce her faith and was thrown to the lions in the amphitheater; the lions remained as docile as house cats. Then Diogenianus had her neck broken and her body burned. Her remains were recovered by Sabinus and buried beside her sister.

Their cult in Seville is ancient and strong and spread elsewhere in Spain; they are also honored in the Mozarabic liturgy. They are patrons of Seville and Orihuela and of potters. According to tradition they protect the Giralda and the cathedral of Seville. Chapels and churches bear their name at Zaragoza, Toledo, Agost and Alicante. They are commemorated on 19 July as saints of the undivided Church, by the New Calendar.