Sophia

Sophia. This name occurs frequently in the catalogies of saints and martyrs of the ancient Church, but in no instance with historical authentication.

1. A Christian widow, living at Rome under Hadrian, about A.D. 120, with her daughters Fides, Spes, and Charitas. Accused before the praefect Antiochus, they made joyous confession of their faith. The daughters were condemned to be thrown into a fire of pitch and sulphur, but as they remained uninjured in the fire, they were taken out and beheaded. The mother was temporarily released, and buried her children, but after three days she, too, sealed her faith with her blood. Her day is Sept. 30, or, according to other authorities, Aug. 1. The legend is found in Simeon Metaphrastes and later collections (ap. Lipom. tom. 6, ap. Sur. tom. 4; Mombrit. tom. 2; Acta S. ad 30 Sept.).