(uCatholic) In 363 during the reign of Emperor Julian the Apostate, Apronianus was appointed as the Governor of Rome, the era marked the start of brutal persecutions of Christians — Bibiana and her sister Demetria came from a devout Catholic family though were orphaned at an early age.
Bibiana and Demetria, devoted their lives to piety, fasting and prayer in the home they lived, their steradfast faith in Jesus, caught the attention of Governor Apronianus, who summoned the sisters before him.
Demetria, declared her faith in Christ Jesus and mysteriously died on the spot, leaving her sister Bibiana to face further trial and persecution.
Bibiana was handed over to a merciless woman named Rufina who tried unsuccessfully to corrupt Bibiana, despite facing both physical abuse and temptation, Bibiana’s faith in Jesus remained unshaken. Governor Apronianus frustrated by Bibiana’s resilience, ordered more severe punishment of her, binding Bibiana to a pillar, savagely having her beaten with lead weighted scourges until she finally succumbed to her injuries. Throughout the torture, Bibiana maintained a joyful spirit.
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Jesus: “Do not fear those who kill the body but can not kill the soul, rather fear Him (Almighty God) who can destroy both soul and body in Hell.” –Matthew 10:28
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