Saint Eulalia, Virgin and Martyr, Patron Saint of Barcelona
SAINT EULALIA was born in Barcelona Spain near the end of the 3rd century. Her life was the first historical evidence that Christianity had reached in Spain. The pagan Roman Governor Diocietianus-Maximianus siezed her and brought her for trial. Under intensive interogation he gave her the option of denying that Jesus Christ was Lord or face death. This 13 year old girl was steadfast in her faith and accepted death to become Spain's first Christian Martyr.
Her Martyrdom proved to be the spark which ignited the flame of Christianity that spread like wildfire throughout Spain. This was at a time prior to the Council of Nicea 325 A.D. when the church itself finally ratified the Divinity of Jesus Christ.
Her relics were hidden and miraculously found after Almanzur and his Arab invaders from Arfrica 711 A.D. burned and sacked any found evidence of Christianity including all churches.
In 1298 contruction of the new splendid and majestic Gothic Cathedral began and a new alabaster sarcophagus was completed by an unamed Italian sculptor from Pisa. In 1339 her remains were trasnferred to the magnificent sarcophagus at the base of the high altar; an event attended by Kings, Princes, Nobles, and, Bishops from throughout Europe on her honor.
Later in 1493 Christopher Columbus returned from America to Barcelona to be honored by the council of Bishops at the Cathedral and to plan the spread of Christianity from Spain into the New World - a further extension of SAINT EULALIAS MARTYRDOM.
In 1983 Pope John Paul visited Barcelona to pay homage to SAINT EULALIA. Today, tens of throusand visit her crypt each year.
SAINT EULALIA'S commitment to unshakable faith and purity is a legacy to be revered by those who would honor her name. Our Church of SAINT EULALIA in Winchester, Massachusetts was so dedicated on May 23, 1966 with Monsignor Joseph Lyons as Pastor.
Researched in Barcelona by William L. Wilson, 1985.
