Saint Afra | |
|---|---|
 Saint Afra, by the Master of Messkirch, c. 1535–1540 | |
| Martyr | |
| Born | Augsburg, Rhaetia, Roman Empire |
| Died | c. 304 Augsburg, Rhaetia, Roman Empire |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church |
| Major shrine | St. Ulrich's and St. Afra's Abbey, Augsburg |
| Feast | August 7 (sometimes listed as August 5) |
| Attributes | depicted being burnt to death |
| Patronage | Augsburg; 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.