March 21st 2nd century

Matidia and Drosella in the account of the Petits Bollandistes

Summary

In the account devoted to Basilissa and Callinice, Drosella is presented as a catechumen who frequented their community, encouraged by her aunt Matidia. Arrested then confined in the palace, she remains faithful to her faith; the passage does not recount her death.

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    SAINT MATIDIA, SISTER OF TRAJAN, AND THE VENERABLE DROSELLA,

    Life 01 / 02

    Matidia and Drosella in the collective entry

    Now, it came to pass that a daughter of the emper or, name d Drosella, already a catechumen, doubtless through the per suasion of her aunt Saint Matidia, heard tell of the manner of living of these holy spouses of Jesus Christ, and sought their company. Often, during the night, she escaped from the imperial palace, and, accompanied by a few attendants, came to take part in the exercises of the pious community. Despite the most meticulous precautions, these outings raised suspicions: they were reported by one of the emperor's councillors, named Ha drian, who aspired to the hand of the former. Trajan, informed, gave order to soldiers to watch all persons leaving the palace, to follow them to the place where they went, and to bring them back by force with their accomplices. The opportunity was not long in coming: one evening the guards saw, though without recognizing her, the princess stealthily leave with her companions; they followed them to the house of the five pious virgins and arrested the whole holy assembly in the emperor's name. Imagine the astonishment and rage of Trajan when, the next day, he beheld his daughter in the midst of these abhorred Christian women. He began by having her placed in solitary confinement in a chamber of the imperial residence where everything was attempted, but in vain, to tear the faith from her heart.

    Source 02 / 02

    Source and editorial note

    This entry reproduces the historical text of the Petits Bollandistes, proofread against the digitized pages. The traditions and assessments of the author belong to the era of the work.

    Paul Guérin, Les Petits Bollandistes, volume 3, p. 590. Digitized copy by the Bibliothèque nationale de France: https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k30733g

    Editorial note: This passage belongs to the collective entry for Ba silissa, Ca llinice, and their companions. Matidia is mentioned therein as Drosella's aunt; Drosella is placed in solitary confinement. The source does not allow attributing to them the torture suffered by the five virgins.

    Official source Les Petits Bollandistes, by Mgr Paul GUÉRIN, chamberlain to His Holiness Pius IX.

    Entities

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    The names, places, and concepts most present in the entry, weighted by centrality in the text.

    100 Saint Drosella Saint 99 Trajan Person 91 Rome Place 85 Saint Basilissa Saint 85 Saint Callinice Saint 69 Saint Matidia Saint 64 Adrian Person 60 Saint Syncletica Saint

    Frequently asked questions about Matidia and Drosella in the account of the Petits Bollandistes

    Who was Matidia and Drosella in the account of the Petits Bollandistes?

    In the account devoted to Basilissa and Callinice, Drosella is presented as a catechumen who frequented their community, encouraged by her aunt Matidia. Arrested then confined in the palace, she remains faithful to her faith; the passage does not recount her death.

    Which saints were contemporaries of Matidia and Drosella in the account of the Petits Bollandistes?

    Contemporaries include: Saint Dionysius the Areopagite (First Bishop of Paris), Saint Pothinus and his companions (Martyrs of Lyon), Saint Benignus of Smyrna and Jesus Christ (Relics of the Passion).

    What are the other names of Matidia and Drosella in the account of the Petits Bollandistes?

    Other forms of the name: Droselle.

    Who are the relatives of Matidia and Drosella in the account of the Petits Bollandistes?

    Relatives of Matidia and Drosella in the account of the Petits Bollandistes: Trajan (father) and Sainte Matidie (aunt).

    Annexes & related entities

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    Key Events

    1. Nocturnal visits to a community of Christian virgins in Rome
    2. Denunciation by the advisor Hadrian
    3. Arrest by Emperor Trajan's guards
    4. Kept in seclusion in the imperial palace

    Associated Places