October 5th is the feast of Santa Flavia, Virgin and Martyr. Captured by Moslem corsairs with her brothers Placido, Eutichio and Vittorino while visiting the Benedictine abbey of Messina, she was tortured and put to death, along with her siblings and the monks, for refusing to renounce their faith. 
Santa Flavia, ora pro nobis
In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to Santa Flavia. The accompanying photo, courtesy of Anthony Scillia, was taken in the Chiesa Madre dedicated to the Madonna delle Grazie in Castel di Lucio, Messina. Evviva Santa Flavia!
Prayer to Santa Flavia
God our Father, you give us joy each year in honoring the memory of Santa Flavia, Virgin and Martyr. May her prayers be a source of help for us, and may her example of courage and chastity be our inspiration. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
