Blandina’s Trial by Beasts
Blandina was suspended on a stake and exposed to be devoured by the wild beasts who should attack her. Because she appeared as if she was hanging on a cross, and because of her earnest prayers, she inspired the combatants [the male prisoners] with great zeal. For they looked on her in her conflict, and beheld with their outward eyes, in the form of their sister, Him who was crucified for them. As none of the wild beasts at that time touched her, she was taken down from the stake, and cast again into prison. She was preserved thus for another contest.
After all these, on the last day of the contests, Blandina was again brought in, with Ponticus, a boy about fifteen years old. They had been brought everyday to witness the sufferings of the others, and had been pressed to swear by the idols. But, because they remained steadfast, and despised them, the multitude became furious, so that they had no compassion for the youth of the boy nor respect for the sex of the woman.
To Be Continued…
Date: 10th February 2024
Martyr: Blandina and the Martyrs of Lyon
Location: Gaul (modern-day Lyon), southeastern France
Source: God’s Generals – The Martyrs
Author: Roberts Liardon
Suffering Saturday 077
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