Saint Afra

Saint Afra
Saint Afra, by the Master of Messkirch, c. 1535–1540
Martyr
BornAugsburg, Rhaetia, Roman Empire
Diedc. 304
Augsburg, Rhaetia, Roman Empire
Venerated inRoman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church
Major shrineSt. Ulrich's and St. Afra's Abbey, Augsburg
FeastAugust 7 (sometimes listed as August 5)
Attributesdepicted being burnt to death
PatronageAugsburg; converts; martyrs; penitent women

Saint Afra (died 304) was martyred during the Diocletian persecution. Along with Saint Ulrich & St Simpert, she is a patron saint of Augsburg. Her feast day is August 7. Afra was dedicated to the service of the goddess Venus by her mother, Hilaria. Through his teachings, Bishop Narcissus converted Afra and her family to Christianity. When it was learned that Afra was a Christian, she was brought before Diocletian and ordered to sacrifice to the pagan gods. She refused and was condemned to death by fire.