Saint Marcella facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Saint Marcella
Roma (Q. Ostiense) - S. Marcella 08 Interno
Born	325 Ancient Rome
Died	410
Venerated in	Roman Catholic Church Orthodox Church
Feast	January 31

Saint Marcella (born 325, died 410 AD) was a very special woman from Ancient Rome. She is honored as a saint in both the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church. Marcella was a Christian who lived a very simple and devoted life. This was during a time called the Byzantine Era.

Marcella's husband passed away just seven months after they were married. After this sad event, she decided to dedicate her life to God. She chose to live like the "ascetics" of the East. These were people who lived very disciplined lives. Marcella avoided certain foods and drinks. She spent her time reading holy books, praying, and visiting churches. She also helped people in need.

She gave away her treasures to the poor. Later, when invaders came to Rome, soldiers thought she had hidden wealth. They treated her badly to make her tell them where it was. But Marcella had already given everything away. Even though she was hurt, she asked the soldiers to be kind to her and her student, Principia. They were given safety in a church. Marcella passed away soon after, in 410 AD. She is remembered on January 31st each year.

Marcella's Life Story

Marcella came from a rich and important family in Rome. Her large home on the Aventine Hill became a meeting place for Christians. She was friends with another important Christian woman, Paula of Rome. A famous Christian writer named Jerome wrote many letters to Marcella. He even called her "the glory of the ladies of Cadereyta."

Her Devotion and Teachings

After her husband died, Marcella chose to live a life focused on charity, prayer, and self-discipline. She gave away her wealth to help those less fortunate. Marcella was a strong believer in living a simple life. She taught other women about the Christian faith. Many women looked up to her and joined her in studying the Bible and praying.

Marcella and Jerome

Jerome was a very important scholar and saint. He wrote many letters to Marcella. These letters show how much he respected her wisdom and faith. Marcella often asked Jerome questions about the Bible. She wanted to understand it deeply. Jerome said that Marcella learned everything he had studied over many years. She made his knowledge her own. His letters are how we know most of what happened in Marcella's life. One of his most famous letters, Letter 127, was written to her student, Principia, after Marcella's death. In it, he praised Marcella's life and comforted Principia.

The Invasion of Rome

In 410 AD, a group called the Goths invaded Rome. During this time, Marcella was badly hurt by the soldiers. They believed she had hidden treasures. But she had already given all her money to the poor. She died from her injuries shortly after the invasion. She passed away in the arms of her beloved student, Principia.

Marcella's Legacy

Marcella is remembered for her strong faith, her kindness, and her dedication to helping others. She is seen as a founder of the first religious community for women in the Western Church. This means she helped create a way for women to live together and focus on their faith.

Honors and Artworks

Marcella is honored on the liturgical calendar of the Episcopal Church on January 31st. This is a special day to remember her.

Her story is also part of a famous artwork called The Dinner Party by Judy Chicago. This artwork celebrates important women throughout history. Marcella has a special place setting in this art piece. The Dinner Party is displayed at the Brooklyn Museum in New York.

See also

In Spanish: Marcela de Roma para niños