This month’s triduum of prayer and fasting (5-7 September) will conclude on Saturday with the feast of a little known martyr of the early Christian era. I’m referring to St Regina of Alesia. This young woman, converted early to Christianity, consecrated her virginity to Christ whom she loved above all things. As happened frequently in that age, her dedication to Christ was not fully understood or appreciated. It so happened that a young prince fell in love with her, and sought to marry her. Regina, however, had already been espoused to Christ and so she refused. For this refusal she would suffer imprisonment and dreadful torture in order to break her resolve. To take away her virginity would be to take away her faith, so thought her persecutors. Regina stood firm and died for her faith and her chastity. To this day, there is an annual play depicting St Regina’s life and martyrdom. It appears to be actually the only medieval passion play to have been uninterrupted throughout the ages. It is told that for centuries there was a stone plaque engraved with the words: Here Caesar conquered Gaul. Here a Christian virgin conquered Caesar.
Alesia was indeed the place where the Gallic Wars ended with the triumph of Caesar and Rome. But all that political and military might was powerless before the strength of soul of a young Christian virgin. This true story holds so many lessons for us. It teaches us that, no matter what the pressure that might be put on us to sin or abandon our beliefs, the grace of fidelity is there for those who trust not in their own strength but in the omnipotence of divine grace.
Our monthly triduums are very much about the same thing. Compared to the power of sin in our world, our humble efforts may seem insignificant, we may sometimes feel it is a lost cause, but if we do not run away, stand firm, and remain faithful to our dearly beloved Jesus through prayer and penance, our victory registers with God as a truly great event that has everlasting repercussions. No one remembers the mighty warlords that tortured Regina, but her memory is honoured from age to age. She is tenderly loved as a mother because as bride of Christ she gave birth to so many souls when she refused to abandon her Lord. May her example encourage us to remain fervent in prayer and generous in sacrifice. Let’s never forget: Here Caesar conquered Gaul. Here a Christian virgin conquered Caesar.
