The Basics: Born about 810 in Spain; died 856 in Spain; canonized pre-congregation; feast day, July 19. Laywoman and martyr.
The Story: Aurea likely was not quite a teenager when two of her brothers were executed by Cordoba’s rulers for being Christians. Small wonder, then, that after the death of her husband, Aurea, possibly with her Christian mother, retired to live in a life of what they thought would be peace and quiet in St. Clare’s monastery.
Then, beginning in 850, tensions between Muslims and Christians reached a fevered pitch, with forty-eight Christians being martyred in nine years. Three associates of the convent were killed. We can sympathize with Aurea’s decision to renounce Christianity when authorities questioned her based on information from her Muslim father’s family. The authorities left her alone at that point, but Aurea regretted her statement, and continued to worship Christ. She was ready when relatives turned her in the second time, refused to deny her faith, and was executed.
What We Can Learn from Aurea: We will all fall short of what we expect of ourselves–and what the Lord desires of us. When we do, wallowing is not an option. Let’s pick ourselves up, reconcile ourselves to the Lord, and move forward.
To Learn More About Aurea: Read a reprint of a Magnificat article about her.
To Learn More About Other Women Saints and Blesseds: Come back next week, or consider buying my book, Sisterhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration.
