[Salvation]

Catholic Culture

The Station today is at St. Balbina's, virgin and martyr (130), the daughter of the tribune and martyr, St. Quirinus. The church is ancient, and was probably built in the 4th century above the house of the consul Lucius Fabius Cilone. The first reference to it is found in a 6th century document, where it is referred to as Sanctae Balbinae. It was consecrated by Pope St. Gregory the Great.

[Salvation]

Interior of St. Balbina

Day XIV. Tuesday, Week II. "Lord, help us always, for without you we are bound to fail" (Adapted from Collect for today). Santa Balbina. Unfortunately, little known about Saint Balbina except from earliest times she was venerated as a Christian martyr, probably at the time of emperor Hadrian (132). Tradition has it that she was baptized and chose Christ as her spouse. Since she refused to be unchaste, she and her father, Quirinus, were accused, convicted, and executed for being Christian. Pope Saint Mark (336) erected this church in Balbina's memory and the earthly remains of father and daughter lie together under the altar.