Holy Woman (First Century)
Her life
+ Little is known of Saint Claudia who, according to ancient traditions was the daughter of a British king or chieftain.
+ Taken with her father to Rome in retaliation for his opposition to the emperor Claudius, Claudia converted to Christianity and became an important figure in the Christian community.
+ Saint Paul mentions her by name in the Second Letter to Timothy (4:21).
+ Various traditions relate that she was the mother of Linus (who is mentioned immediately before her in 2 Timothy 4:21). Linus succeeded Saint Peter as the bishop of Rome and is honored as the second pope.
Spiritual bonus
On this day the Church also celebrates the commemorations of Pope Saint Sixtus II and his companions, who were martyred while celebrating Mass in 258, and Saint Cajetan, a reformer and founder of the Theatines who died in 1547.
For reflection
“There is nothing colder than a Christian who does not seek to save others. You cannot plead poverty here; the widow putting in her two small coins will be your accuser. Peter said, ‘Silver and gold I have not.’ Paul was so poor that he was often hungry and went without necessary food.”—Saint John Chrysostom
Prayer
Pour out upon us, Lord, the spirit of knowledge and love of you, with which you filled your handmaid blessed Claudia, so that, serving you sincerely in imitation of her, we may be pleasing to you by our faith and our works. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(from The Roman Missal: Common of Holy Men and Women—For a Holy Woman)
Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.
And today we celebrate...