Basilla of Rome was a Christian martyr who lived during the third century in Rome. According to tradition, she belonged to a noble Roman family and was the niece of Emperor Gallienus. After converting to Christianity and receiving baptism from Pope Cornelius, she refused to marry a pagan patrician named Pompeius. This refusal led to her being betrayed by her maid, resulting in her execution by beheading under the orders of Emperor Valerian in 257.
Life and death
Basilla's life was marked by her commitment to her new faith. Following her conversion, she rejected a marriage proposal from a man of equal social standing to maintain her religious convictions. This steadfastness led to her death in 257. She was originally laid to rest in the catacombs of Saint Hermes located on the Salarian Way near the city of Rome.
Veneration and relics
Her remains were moved to the Basilica of Santa Prassede during the ninth century. Later, in 1654, her relics were discovered and placed at the Hôtel-Dieu de Bayeux. She is commemorated in the church calendar on May 20.