Saint Fabiola

Amanda Fougere - Fabiola, dame romaine, ecoute les lectures que lui fait Syra son esclave

Saint Fabiola was a Roman patrician woman who lived during the fourth century. She is most celebrated for her significant contributions to the Christian community, particularly in the realm of charity and healthcare for the poor. Saint Fabiola is recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church, and her feast day is celebrated on December 27.

Early Life

Fabiola belonged to the noble Roman family of the Fabii and was known for her wealth and status. However, details about her early life, including her birth date, remain largely undocumented. She was married twice, with her first marriage being described as unhappy and ending in divorce. After her first husband's death, she remarried, which was controversial at the time and led to her temporary excommunication from the Church. Upon the death of her second husband, Fabiola underwent a public penance, which was a rare and notable act of humility for someone of her social standing.

Conversion and Charitable Works

After reconciling with the Church, Saint Fabiola dedicated her life to the service of the poor, the sick, and the suffering. She used her wealth to fund the first hospital in the Western world, providing care for the needy, regardless of their status or background. This hospital became a model for future Christian charitable institutions. Fabiola also personally tended to the sick and was known for washing the wounds of the afflicted with her own hands, embodying the Christian ideals of service and compassion.

In addition to her work in Rome, Fabiola traveled to Bethlehem where she deepened her faith and commitment to charitable works under the guidance of Saint Jerome, with whom she maintained a correspondence. These letters, which include Jerome's famous letter 77, provide insight into Fabiola's character and her contributions to early Christian charity.

Legacy

Saint Fabiola's legacy is marked by her pioneering role in the establishment of hospitals and her dedication to the care of the sick and poor. She is often depicted in Christian art wearing a red tunic, symbolizing her status as a widow and penitent, and is sometimes shown with a hospital, referencing her founding of the first public hospital.

Her life and works have inspired many throughout the centuries, and she is considered a patron saint of nurses, divorced persons, and victims of domestic abuse. Saint Fabiola's story is a testament to the impact of conversion and charity in the Christian tradition.

Feast Day

The Catholic Church commemorates Saint Fabiola on December 27. On this day, her contributions to Christian charity and her life of penance and service are celebrated.