SAINTS PROBA AND GERMANA, VIRGINS AND MARTYRS - 29 APRIL

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN APRIL

Saints celebrated on the 29th of April

SAINTS PROBA AND GERMANA, VIRGINS AND MARTYRS

Saint Germana (Grimonia) was the daughter of an Irish prince who lived in paganism. She was fortunate to learn of the gospel and dedicated her virginity to the Lord. To escape her father's inappropriate intrusiveness, she fled to France and lived a life dead to this passing world in the Quentin area. Her father searched for her and found her. When she again refused to follow him, she had to die. 

St Proba, her companion, lived at Tonson near Laon. She too was beheaded. For a long time her body rested at the abbey church of St Vincent of Laon, but was later translated to the Saint John convent at Lesquielles. When the Huguenots went on their rampage, her relics were hidden at Henin-Lietard in 1540 to keep them safe. In 1748 a part of her mortal remains were returned to their original location (Lesquielles).

These holy virgins are also commemorated on April 28 and September 5.

(Information from Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints, Volume 4, Augsburg, 1875)

Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints - Sources and Abbreviations

PRAYER:

Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Saints Proba and Germana may increase our devotion and promote our salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.