Page "Saint Bibiana" Paragraph 1

In later times a legend sprang up concerning her, connected with the Acts of the martyrdom of Saints John and Paul and has no historical claim to belief.

According to this legend, Bibiana was the daughter of a former prefect, Flavianus, who was banished by Julian the Apostate.

Dafrosa, the wife of Flavianus, and his two daughters, Demetria and Bibiana, were also persecuted by Julian.

Dafrosa and Demetria died a natural death and were buried by Bibiana in their own house ; but Bibiana was tortured and died as a result of her sufferings.

Two days after her death a priest named John buried Bibiana near her mother and sister in her home, the house being later turned into a church.

It is evident that the legend seeks to explain in this way the origin of the church and the presence in it of the bodies of the above mentioned confessors.

The account contained in the martyrologies of the ninth century is drawn from the legend.