E02515: The Martyrdom of *Susanna (virgin and martyr of Rome, S00892) is written in Latin, presumably in Rome in the titulus Gai, between around 450 and the 8th c., perhaps before 550. It narrates Susanna’s resistance, with the help of her father Gabinius and her uncle Gaius (bishop of Rome, S00661), to plans to marry her to Diocletian’s adoptive son Maximian; the conversions and martyrdom of her relatives Claudius, Praepedigna, Alexander, Cutia, and Maximus (martyrs of Rome, S01440); Susanna’s martyrdom in Gaius’ house, her burial in the cemetery of Alexander. Commemoration services are celebrated in Gaius’ house at the place called ad duas domos.
Creators: name: Mpignot
Publisher: name: University of Oxford
Year: 2017
Subjects: History

description: Martyrdom of Susanna (BHL 7937)<br><br>Summary:<br><br>The numbering of paragraphs is taken from the Acta Sanctorum edition; however, since the text was published in two parts in separate volumes, the following adaptation has been followed: for ease of reference, numbering of the second part (pars altera = Aug., II, 631-2) is here rendered as continuous with that of the first part (pars prior = Febr., III, 61-4). The original numbers of paragraphs in the second part are given in brackets after the numbers in the continuous sequence.<br><br>§ 1: At the time of the emperors Diocletian and Maximian, there is a priest called Gabinius, the biological brother of the bishop of Rome Gaius (Caius), a most learned Christian. He frequently discusses with Gaius, he produces a treatise against pagans (tractationes contra paganos), and is most learned in secular learning (eruditio litterarum mundanae artis). He is of noble birth and a relative of the emperor Diocletian. He has an only daughter, whom he teaches secular learning so that she comes to equal him.<br><br>§ 2: Diocletian hears of the girl’s beauty and wisdom, and writes to Gabinius asking him to marry her to his son, the emperor Maximian. His intermediary is Claudius, Gabinius’ cousin. Claudius puts the proposal to Gabinius, emphasising the distinction which would attach to such a match.<br><br>§ 3: Gabinius seems taken aback, believing that he hardly deserves this honour. But Claudius reminds Gabinius of the nobility of his family, and restates the invitation to marry his daughter into the imperial family. Gabinius asks to be granted some time to discuss the matter with his daughter, and they part.<br><br>§ 4: Gabinius goes to his daughter, called Susanna, and embracing her says that he wishes her to see the bishop Gaius her uncle (zius) so that he might reinforce the Holy Spirit in her. He asks Gaius to come to him, and recounts to him what has happened. Then, with tears in their eyes, they go into Gabinius’ house and tell Susanna that Diocletian has asked her to marry Maximian.<br><br>§ 5: Susanna replies to her father wondering whether he has lost wisdom and forgotten that she is a Christian, and emphasising that he has been polluted by such request to marry a pagan. She glorifies God, for she believes that her refusal will bring her to the palm of martyrdom. So Gabinius tells her to stand firm in her faith, while Gaius praises her constancy. Susanna remarks to them that she has been instructed by them to always keep chastity, and so she will keep her pledge to Jesus Christ. Gaius exhorts her to keep God’s commandments and recalls that, as said in the Gospel, she will find words to speak thanks to the Holy Spirit when questioned (Matt. 10:19-20). Susanna replies tearfully that she hopes to be made God’s temple through their prayers, and – in the words of Paul – that this temple is holy and should not be deceived (1 Cor. 3:17-18).<br><br>§ 6: Three days later, Claudius comes to them on his own and enters Gabinius’ house joyfully. They embrace each other and he salutes them in the name of the emperor Diocletian and tells them that the emperor asks Susanna to be married to his son Maximian. Gabinius replies that they have nothing against it but should seek the opinion of Susanna herself.<br><br>§ 7: Susanna is summoned to their presence. Claudius tearfully wishes to embrace and kiss her. However Susanna tells him not to contaminate her mouth, since she is devoted to Christ, and no man may touch her mouth. When Claudius, bewildered, says he only wanted to show his care for her, Susanna states that his mouth is polluted with sacrifices to idols. Claudius asks how his mouth might be purified; she tells him that he must repent and be baptised in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.<br><br>§ 8: Claudius begs Gaius to be purified. The bishop begins to instruct him, advising him that those who are burdened will be relieved by Christ (Matt. 11:28), and that there is no heavier sinful burden than the worship of idols. The world was made by the Lord God, who came down from heaven, was born from a virgin, died, was resurrected, and ascended to heaven precisely to free sinners, worshippers of idols. Claudius agrees to do all that they suggest, but asks that Diocletian’s request should not be delayed. Gaius replies that first Claudius should fulfil their request, and then everything else will follow.<br><br>§ 9: Claudius requests further instructions about what commandments he should follow; he also wants to know what to say to Diocletian. Gaius tells him to repent for the blood of saints spilled, and to be baptised. He quotes the Lord saying that before princes and governors, He will give them wisdom to overcome their opponents (Luke 21:12-15). Claudius asks if baptism will wipe away all his bad deeds and Gaius confirms that it will, if he believes. Susanna throws herself at Gaius’ feet and beseeches him not to delay Claudius’ baptism. Gaius replies that he must ask if Claudius believes with all his heart. Claudius says that he will believe if his crimes will be pardoned. Gaius tells him in the name of Jesus Christ and God that all his sins will be forgiven. That same day, Claudius, throwing himself to the ground before Gaius’ feet and scattering dust over his head, asks the Lord God for forgiveness for what he has done to the saints and for worshipping idols, which he now rejects. He asks to be filled with grace, so that his sons and his wife shall know that God saves all those who place their hope in Him. Gaius makes him a catechumen, gives him the medicine (medicina) and sends him on his way.<br><br>§ 10: When he returns home, Claudius tells his wife everything. Then his wife, Praepedigna, stupefied by what she has heard, asks her husband who led him down this course. Claudius replies that it was the bishop Gaius, the priest Gabinius and above all the virgin girl Susanna. At this point Praepedigna enters her closed litter (cavea basternae), goes to Gabinius’ house and meets Gaius alone. The bishop, seeing her, gives thanks to God. She throws herself at Gaius’ feet, kisses them and in tears asks him to save his servant Claudius, her and their sons. Hearing this, Susanna comes out of her room and embraces Praepedigna joyfully. The following night, Claudius comes with his two sons to Gabinius’ house, throws himself at his feet, asking to be baptised with his wife and sons.<br><br>§ 11: Praepedigna and the children, caller Alexander and Cutia, are made catechumens according to custom and given the medicine of wisdom (medicina sapientiae). Then they are initiated (catechizare). Claudius is baptised in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit for the forgiveness of sins and the resurrection of the flesh, standing naked in a wooden basin, after replying ‘I believe’, when asked respectively about his belief in God the Father, Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ born from the Holy Spirit, and Jesus Christ born from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary. He is anointed with the chrism by the bishop Gaius, who baptises Praepedigna, and Alexander and Cutia, who are received by Gabinius [as godfather]. After rising from the font they all participate in the Eucharist in the same house.<br><br>§ 12: From that day, Claudius starts selling all his property and giving the money to the Christian poor. He seeks out the secret and hidden places where Christians live, gives out coins and provides them with lodging. He also takes care of prisoners and frees them during the night.<br><br>§ 13: One month and 16 days later, Claudius is asked for by Diocletian, who wants to know about Susanna. As Claudius tells him that he is ill, Diocletian sends Claudius’ own brother Maximus, comes rei priuatae, to go and speak to him about Susanna. Maximus finds Claudius praying in a goat’s hair tunic (in cilicio) and is afraid. He asks him how come he is so thin. Claudius says he will tell him, if Maximus will hear him out. Maximus embraces him and ask Claudius to tell him why his body seems so wretched. Claudius remarks that he is doing penance for having followed the emperors’ command and killed Christian saints.<br><br>§ 14: Maximus tells Claudius that what really matters is that he has been sent by Diocletian to arrange the marriage of Maximian with Susanna. Claudius tells him that he had asked Susanna, but found that she had been dedicated to God, through whom his sins have now been redeemed. He exhorts Maximus to come at night to Gabinius’ house to learn that God can save all and to see the eternal light. Maximus agrees.<br><br>§ 15: The same night they go to the arch at the porta Salaria, near the palace of Sallust, where Gabinius lives. It is announced to Gabinius that Claudius and his brother Maximus wish to greet him. Gabinius has them admitted to his house. As they enter, Gabinius tells them to pray and they all throw themselves to the ground. Gabinius prays to the Lord God for all who believe in him to be enlightened. All reply ‘Amen’. Then they get up, and embrace and kiss each other.<br><br>§ 16: Claudius joyfully kisses Gabinius’ feet. Maximus asks to see Susanna. Gabinius enters her room and calls her; she comes out offering prayers and asks her father to give the blessing. Gabinius prays, and all reply ‘Amen’. Seeing the extent of Susanna’s humility and modesty, Maximus grabs her hand and kisses it, but she despises this.<br><br>§ 17: Then Maximus is announced to the bishop Gaius, who lives near a church built by himself near the palace of Sallust, he comes forth, hoping to be soon called to martyrdom. When he arrives, all fall on the floor. Gaius says that they should keep their resolve and gives a prayer, asking to be freed from the darkness of the world and to keep faith. All reply ‘Amen’. Then they all sit down to hear Gaius speak, save for Susanna who prefers to remain standing and praying.<br><br>§ 18: Then Gaius gives thanks that Maximus has come to visit them. As Maxim