Santa Sabina: Roman martyr commemorated by the Catholic Church

The Catholic Church commemorates Santa Sabina, a Roman noblewoman and martyr of the 2nd century. Originally a pagan and wife of Senator Valentino, Sabina converted to Christianity following the influence of her servant, Saint Serapia.

During the persecutions under Emperor Hadrian, Sabina refused to renounce her faith or offer sacrifices to pagan gods. Following the martyrdom of Serapia, Sabina was arrested, brought before the prefect Elpidio, and ultimately executed by decapitation on the Aventine Hill around the year 120.

The Basilica of Santa Sabina, located on the Aventine Hill in Rome, was founded between 422 and 432 on the site of the ancient Titulus Sabinae. The basilica holds the relics of both Sabina and Serapia and serves as a significant site for the Dominican Order, which was founded there in 1219. It is also the traditional location for the Pope’s Ash Wednesday homily.