Saint Regina of Autun: The Virgin Martyr Who Remained Faithful to Christ

September 7 2026: The Catholic Church honours Saint Regina of Autun, also known as Saint Reine, a virgin and martyr remembered for her courage, purity and steadfast faith. Associated with Alise in Burgundy, France, Regina is traditionally placed in the third century and is honoured as one of the early witnesses who remained faithful to Christ despite persecution.

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Feast Day: September 7

Also Known As: Saint Reine, Saint Regina of Alise

Lived: 3rd century

Known For: Virgin martyr and witness to Christian faith

Place of Veneration: Alise-Sainte-Reine, France

Patronage: Shepherdesses, victims of torture and those facing poverty

A Young Woman Who Chose Christ

According to Christian tradition, Regina was born into a pagan family and lost her mother at birth. She was raised by a Christian nurse, who introduced her to the faith. Regina eventually embraced Christianity and dedicated herself to Christ.

Tradition says that she lived humbly and worked as a shepherdess. Her time in the fields became an opportunity for prayer and meditation.

Though the detailed accounts of her childhood and martyrdom are difficult to verify historically, her early Christian veneration is well established. Vatican News notes that Regina was already being honoured at Alise by 628, and a basilica stood at the place associated with her martyrdom by the eighth century.

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Faith Tested by Persecution

The traditional account says that a Roman official named Olybrius sought to marry Regina. When she refused to abandon Christianity, she was imprisoned and subjected to persecution. Regina remained firm in her faith and ultimately suffered martyrdom.

The story has been handed down through later accounts, which describe her courage in the face of torture and execution. For generations, Christians have remembered her not simply for the circumstances of her death, but for the strength of her witness.

A Legacy of Courage

Saint Regina's devotion continued to grow in Burgundy, particularly around Alise-Sainte-Reine. Her name became associated with places of pilgrimage, and she has traditionally been invoked by shepherdesses and people suffering persecution or poverty.

Her story reminds Christians that holiness is not measured by worldly power or recognition. Regina was young and lived a seemingly ordinary life, yet her commitment to Christ became the defining feature of her witness.

Why Saint Regina Still Matters

Saint Regina teaches the importance of remaining faithful when beliefs are challenged. Her example encourages Christians to place God at the centre of their lives and to remain courageous in difficult circumstances.

Her feast day invites the faithful to pray for those facing persecution, poverty, violence or suffering, asking for the same strength and trust that Regina showed in the Christian tradition.

To know about more saints, please visit the Spiritual section.

By Catholic Connect Reporter

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