Saint Abra | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Virgin | |
Born | 12 December 339 |
Died | 360 |
Venerated in |
Catholic Church Eastern Orthodox Church |
Beatified | Pre-congregation |
Feast | 12 December |
Abra of Poitiers /ˈæbrə/ (c. 343 – c. 360), Afra or Apra is a Christian saint who would have lived in the 4th century. [1]
Her existence is historically uncertain, but she would have been the daughter of Hilary of Poitiers.
Hilary of Poitiers was married; however, the existence of Abra is uncertain, [2] as it is attested by hagiographical accounts that date two centuries after the life of Hilary. [2] In particular, a letter that Hilary is said to have sent to her is considered a medieval forgery. [2] [3] In this letter, he expressed concern about her fate and engaged in a conversation with her about the health of his mother. [4]
In the surviving manuscripts containing pseudonymous hymns of Hilary, she is named Abra, Afra, or Apra. [5]
She would have died shortly after his return in 360, supposedly at the age of seventeen or eighteen. [6] According to medieval legendary accounts, her father would have witnessed her death. [7]
Her existence itself is controversial; some scholars argue that she may not be the daughter of Hilary of Poitiers or that she may never have existed. [8]
She is remembered for her work among the poor and spreading of Christianity in the area around Poitiers, France. [9]
Her feast day is celebrated on 12 December in Poitiers.
She was compared to the biblical figure of Sarah by some medieval authors. [10]
Montaigne mentioned the event of her death, which he knew through medieval sources, to apply the situation to his own time. [7]
Media related to
Abra of Poitiers at Wikimedia Commons
Saint Abra | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Virgin | |
Born | 12 December 339 |
Died | 360 |
Venerated in |
Catholic Church Eastern Orthodox Church |
Beatified | Pre-congregation |
Feast | 12 December |
Abra of Poitiers /ˈæbrə/ (c. 343 – c. 360), Afra or Apra is a Christian saint who would have lived in the 4th century. [1]
Her existence is historically uncertain, but she would have been the daughter of Hilary of Poitiers.
Hilary of Poitiers was married; however, the existence of Abra is uncertain, [2] as it is attested by hagiographical accounts that date two centuries after the life of Hilary. [2] In particular, a letter that Hilary is said to have sent to her is considered a medieval forgery. [2] [3] In this letter, he expressed concern about her fate and engaged in a conversation with her about the health of his mother. [4]
In the surviving manuscripts containing pseudonymous hymns of Hilary, she is named Abra, Afra, or Apra. [5]
She would have died shortly after his return in 360, supposedly at the age of seventeen or eighteen. [6] According to medieval legendary accounts, her father would have witnessed her death. [7]
Her existence itself is controversial; some scholars argue that she may not be the daughter of Hilary of Poitiers or that she may never have existed. [8]
She is remembered for her work among the poor and spreading of Christianity in the area around Poitiers, France. [9]
Her feast day is celebrated on 12 December in Poitiers.
She was compared to the biblical figure of Sarah by some medieval authors. [10]
Montaigne mentioned the event of her death, which he knew through medieval sources, to apply the situation to his own time. [7]
Media related to
Abra of Poitiers at Wikimedia Commons