St. Dorothy
| Feast day | August 3 |
| Death | 1963 |
St. Dorothy of Caesarea, also known as Dorothea, was a 4th-century virgin martyr who faced persecution during the reign of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. Here are some key details about her life:
- Early Life and Martyrdom:
- Dorothea lived in Caesarea Mazaca (modern-day Kayseri, Turkey).
- She was brought before the prefect Sapricius, tried, tortured, and sentenced to death for her Christian faith.
- On her way to execution, a pagan lawyer named Theophilus mocked her, asking for fruits from her “bridegroom’s garden.”
- Dorothea sent him her headdress, which a six-year-old boy delivered. To everyone’s surprise, the headdress was filled with a heavenly fragrance of roses and fruits.
- Theophilus confessed himself a Christian and was also martyred.
- Legend and Symbolism:
- The legend of St. Dorothy emphasizes her unwavering faith, compassion, and miraculous sign through the fragrant headdress.
- She is often depicted with a wreath or basket of roses and fruit.
- Her feast day is celebrated on February 6.
- Veneration and Art:
- St. Dorothy has been venerated since the 7th century in the Western Church.
- Artists throughout Europe have created paintings and sculptures depicting her story.
- She is recognized as the patron saint of horticulture, brewers, brides, florists, gardeners, midwives, and newlyweds.
While her historical existence remains sparse, St. Dorothy’s legacy continues to inspire believers, emphasizing virtues like faith, kindness, and courage. 🌹🙏✨
¹: Wikipedia
²: Catholic365
³: National Gallery, London
⁴: Christian Iconography
Source: Conversation with Copilot, 30/06/2024
(1) Dorothea of Caesarea – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorothea_of_Caesarea.
(2) A look at the Life of Saint Dorothy: Patron Saint of Gardeners and Florists. https://www.catholic365.com/article/29840/a-look-at-the-life-of-saint-dorothy-patron-saint-of-gardeners-and-florists.html.
(3) St Dorothy | Glossary | National Gallery, London. https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/glossary/st-dorothy.
(4) St. Dorothy: Art, Iconography, Legend. https://www.christianiconography.info/dorothy.html.
(5) Dorothea, Saint | Catholic Answers Encyclopedia. https://www.catholic.com/encyclopedia/dorothea-saint.
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