St. Sophia and Her Daughters

St. Sophia and her three daughters, Faith, Hope, and Love lived during the second century at a time of severe Christian persecution. She and her daughter were brought before the emperor Hadrian and told to denounce their faith. The emperor told St. Sophia that if she did not convince her daughters to deny Christ, she would watch Faith, Hope, and Love die horrible deaths.

St. Sophia Encouraged her Daughters

St. Sophia suffered the anguish of a mother about to lose her children but she remained true to her Christian faith. She spoke to her daughter, encouraging them to be strong for Jesus Christ. St. Sophia spoke these words to her three daughters, "Your heavenly Lover, Jesus Christ, is eternal Health, inexpressible Beauty and Life eternal. When your bodies are slain by torture, He will clothe you in incorruption, and the wounds on your bodies will shine in heaven like the stars."

St. Sophia's Daughters Martyred

Faith, Hope, and Love were only twelve, ten, and nine years old when they suffered and died for their faith. When the girls were brought before Hadrian, they said, "God, Who dwells in heaven, is our Father, Who takes care for our life and has mercy on our souls. His love we desire, and we wish to be called His true children. We keep His commandments, and we spit on your gods. Your threats do not frighten us, for we wish to suffer and bear bitter torments for the sake of our sweet God, Jesus Christ."

St. Sophia died three days after her daughters.

The Feast of St. Sophia and Her Daughters

The feast of St. Sophia and her daughters is celebrated on September 17. Many Christians celebrate this feast day by wearing a St. Sophia medal or a St. Sophia charm. A St. Sophia pendant reminds Christians, especially mothers, of the duty they have in raising their children in the faith of Jesus Christ.