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Portrait of St. Fabiola
A portrait of St. Fabiola

St. Fabiola

d. 399
Feast
December 27 · IV c.
Patron of
Divorcees · Nurses · Difficult marriages · Widows
Order
Matron / Penitent

Roman matron of the Fabian gens (d. 399), divorced and remarried before her conversion; under the direction of St. Jerome did public penance in the Lateran basilica, founded the first public Christian hospital in the West, and devoted her wealth to the poor and to ransoming captives. Pilgrim to Bethlehem; eulogized in Jerome's Letter 77.

Life & Times

Died: 399 · From: Italy / Rome.

Patronage

St. Fabiola is invoked as the patron of divorcees, nurses, difficult marriages, widows. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.

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Devotional items honoring St. Fabiola, from our Sancta Lumina collection and beyond.

About Catholic Saints

Catholic saints, including St. Fabiola, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.