Justina of Padua

About Justina of Padua

Justina is honored in Padua as a virgin martyr. The abbey dates its passion to the sixth century and her death to 304. It portrays her refusing sacrifice to Mars and dying by the sword.

Its later narrative says soldiers arrested her at Pontecorvo.

Evidence of remembrance extends well beyond that story. The abbey's history describes a basilica built shortly after 520 by Opilione and a description of the church by Venantius Fortunatus in 565. Its history also records the recovery of remains identified as Justina's in 1174. The abbey dates the restoration of its Benedictine monastery to 971.

The present basilica was begun in 1521 and consecrated in 1606. Its high altar carries Paolo Veronese's painting of her martyrdom, linking her memory to the church's devotional art.

Padua's approved diocesan calendar honors Justina with a Feast on 7 October. This local observance gives her a continuing place in the city's worship.

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Prayers for Justina of Padua