For though she was an insignificant, weak, and despised woman, she was clothed with the great and invincible athlete Christ,”
—Eusebius, Bishop of Caesarea, c.260-340AD). Blandina was an enslaved woman martyred in Lyon, France, 177AD..
Silence screeches as
Coiled fate meets strength
In humbled glory, a steady duet
Lord, give me words. You speak:
A Christian woman am I.
No evil is done among us!
The die is cast.
So be it …
On a stake, bloody tears baptize anew.
We witness, amazed.
You beam through screams, adorned by Christ—He was there first. Sicut Christus, pro Christo
Suffering servantess.
Eternity claims you.
Worthless dross to Rome perhaps
But no price can match in love
Your wordless sermon
Ostracized no more—mother, sister, heroine
Bulwark of faith, memories remain
Tattered crown of immortality
Shimmers in a nest of simplicity
Bound martyrs overrule Gaul
Outstretched arms gathering all
Blandina, we got your call
JUNE 2, St. Blandina (and martyrs of Lyons) is recognized in the church calendar.
Contemplation in Chaos