A portrait of St. Pelagia the Penitent
St. Pelagia the Penitent
b. c. 5th century
Feast
October 8 · V c.
Patron of
Actresses · Dancers · Penitents
Order
Hermitess / Penitent
Antiochene actress and dancer (5th century, traditional), "Margarita" ("the pearl") of Antioch; converted by hearing Bishop Nonnus preach at the Synod of Antioch, sold her wealth, dressed in male disguise as the monk "Pelagius," and lived as a hermit in a cell on the Mount of Olives until her death (sex revealed only at burial). One of the influential desert-mother stories. Pre-Congregation.
Life & Times
Born: c. 5th century · From: Antioch / Holy Land, tradition.
Patronage
St. Pelagia the Penitent is invoked as the patron of actresses, dancers, penitents. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Pelagia the Penitent, 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.