Victoria of Albitina

Saint Victoria of Abitinae (Albitina) was a martyr of North Africa, who died in 304, in the persecution of Diocletian. Our sources show her venerated in the Catholic Church; they commemorate her on 11 February (the record gives 12 February).

She was born at Abitinae in North Africa, into a noble family. She turned to the Lord in childhood. Her parents wanted to marry her to a young man of a noble family, but Victoria refused to marry and, on the wedding day, leapt from the window of her parents' house. She was arrested during the Eucharist. Her brother, the pagan Fortunatianus, tried to defend her, saying at the trial that she was mad. She refuted his statements, entering into discussion with the judge, named Anullinus. He wanted to release her, giving her into her brother's keeping, but she refused, saying that only God could govern her. Knowing her parents, the judge begged her to renounce her fancies so as not to lose her life. But the saint confessed that she was a Christian, that she was faithful to God and that she had received the Holy Mysteries.

Saint Victoria, together with forty-⁠five others, among them Thelica, Ampelius, Emeritus and Rogatian, was thrown into prison, where they showed particular strength of spirit. Then they were put to death. A priest, Saturninus, was killed with his children: Saturninus and Felix, readers, Mary, a virgin, and Hilarion, a small child. Dativus and another Felix, senators, were also put to death. The relics of Saint Victoria rest in an old chapel at Rignano in Italy and in a chapel at Maria Stein in Ohio. There is also another Saint Victoria, martyred together with Anatolia and Audax.