Martyr 3rd century

Martyr Vibiana of Rome

3rd century

Also known as Viviana

A virgin-martyr of Rome whose relics are venerated in Los Angeles, of which she is principal patron

Feast Day

September 1

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Commemorated as

The Holy Virgin-Martyr Vibiana of Rome

Life

Vibiana is venerated as a virgin-martyr of Rome of the third century. Almost nothing is recorded of the details of her life; she is known chiefly from the evidence of her tomb, which was rediscovered in the nineteenth century in the ancient catacombs near the Appian Way. A marble tablet found at the burial site identified her by name and described her as innocent and pure, and it bore a laurel wreath, which in early Christian usage signified martyrdom.

Her remains were rediscovered on December 9, 1853. On the strength of the tomb inscription and the accompanying martyr's emblem, her relics were taken from the catacombs and venerated. She should not be confused with Saint Bibiana, a separate figure associated with a later period; the two are distinct saints despite the similarity of their names.

Vibiana is best known today as the principal patron of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Her relics were given by Pope Pius IX to Thaddeus Amat, the newly appointed bishop for California, on the condition that a cathedral be raised in her honor. After being carried from Rome and resting for a time in Santa Barbara, her relics were enshrined in the cathedral built for her in Los Angeles, where they were placed above the altar. Since 2002 they have been kept in the mausoleum of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. Her feast is observed on September 1.

Timeline 3 moments Read Hide

Dec 9, 1853 Relics rediscovered Vibiana's tomb is found in the catacombs near the Appian Way in Rome, marked by an inscribed marble tablet and a laurel wreath.
1876 Enshrined in Los Angeles Her relics are installed above the high altar of the first cathedral of Los Angeles, built in her honor.
2002 Translated to the new cathedral Her relics are placed in the mausoleum of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.

Contributions & Legacy

2 contributions Read Hide

Discovery of the Relics

Vibiana's tomb was rediscovered on December 9, 1853, in ancient catacombs near the Appian Way in Rome. The grave was marked by a marble tablet inscribed to the soul of the innocent and pure Vibiana, set above a laurel wreath. In early Christian iconography the laurel wreath was understood as a token of martyrdom, and it was on this basis, together with the inscription, that she was honored as a martyr.

Because no narrative of her sufferings or biographical record survives, the tomb itself remains the primary witness to her. The synaxarion and martyrological tradition therefore present her as a martyr known by name and by the emblems of her burial rather than by a recorded passion.

Patroness of Los Angeles

Pope Pius IX granted Vibiana's relics to Thaddeus Amat, who had been appointed bishop for California, with the stipulation that he build a cathedral dedicated to her. The relics were transported from Rome and, after a period in Santa Barbara, were brought to Los Angeles.

They were formally enshrined above the high altar of the first Los Angeles cathedral, which was named for her, and she was honored as patroness of the archdiocese. Since 2002 her relics have rested in the mausoleum of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles.

Sources: Roman Martyrology