St. Regina, Virgin and Martyr
Feast Day: September 7
Her name means “queen.”
She could have become the wife of a powerful Roman official.
She chose to remain the bride of Christ instead.
And she paid for that choice with her life.
St. Regina, pray for us.
Who Was St. Regina?
St. Regina, also called St. Reine, lived in Gaul, in what is now France, in the late 200s.
Like many early martyrs, the details of her life come to us through ancient tradition rather than detailed records.
But her memory has been honored in Burgundy for well over a thousand years.
A Christian Girl
According to tradition, Regina was born in the town of Alise, in Burgundy.
Her mother died when she was born.
Her father was a pagan, and Regina was raised by a Christian nurse who taught her the faith.
When her father learned she had become a Christian, he rejected her.
Regina lived humbly, caring for sheep and spending her time in prayer.
“No”
A Roman prefect named Olybrius noticed Regina and wanted to marry her.
Marriage to him would have brought wealth, comfort, and status.
But it would also have required her to give up her faith.
Regina had dedicated herself to Christ.
She refused.
Her Martyrdom
Olybrius had her imprisoned and tortured, hoping to change her mind.
She remained faithful.
According to tradition, she was beheaded around A.D. 286.
She was still a young woman.
The Cause Makes the Martyr
St. Augustine wrote:
“It is not the punishment but the cause that makes the martyr.”
— St. Augustine
Many people suffered terribly under Roman rule.
What made Regina a martyr was not only how she died.
It was why.
She died because she would not deny Christ.
Her Memory Lives On
The town where she died is now called Alise-Sainte-Reine in her honor.
Pilgrims have visited her shrine there for centuries.
A spring near the site has been associated with her, and the sick have come there to pray.
What St. Regina Teaches Us
Regina teaches us that faithfulness to Christ is worth more than comfort, status, or approval.
She also teaches young people especially that their faith matters, and that they can stand firm even when the pressure is strong.
Most of us will not be asked to choose between Christ and our lives.
But we are often asked to choose between Christ and our comfort.
When Is the Feast of St. Regina?
St. Regina is remembered on September 7, especially in France.
Prayer Inspired by St. Regina
Lord Jesus Christ,
St. Regina chose You above wealth, comfort, and safety.
Give us hearts that belong to You completely.
Strengthen young people who face pressure to abandon their faith,
and help us stay faithful in every choice.
St. Regina, pray for us. Amen.
