Faith (290–303)

views updated

Faith (290–303)

Gallic Christian martyr and saint. Name variations: Saint Faith, Saint Foy, Saint Fides, Saint Foi. Born in 290 in Agen, Aquitaine, Gaul (now France), to family of wealthy nobles; died in 303 in Agen.

Child martyr and patron saint of pilgrims, prisoners and soldiers, was tested in faith at 13 by Roman procurator Dacian who visited town during Emperor Diocletian's persecution of Christians and ordered all residents to sacrifice to pagan gods or suffer torture; fled to hills with coreligionists but group was discovered and delivered to Dacian; roasted alive and beheaded after refusing to deny faith; said to have inspired faith and sympathy in townspeople and soldiers alike; after relics were transferred to church in Agen in 5th century, was later enshrined in medieval reliquary in monastery of Conques (855); inspired cult worship throughout Europe and South America; commemorated with dedicated chapels in Westminster Abbey and old St. Paul's Church. Feast day is Oct 6.