Feast Day of Saint Regina: The Queen of Faith and Courage

Saint Regina, also known as Sainte Reine (french), is a well-known patron saint of Chieri, Italy. She is also venerated by Catholics worldwide and considered the patron saint of torture victims, shepherds, and against poverty. Regina was born in the early 3rd century in Alise, France, and was raised as a Christian by her mother, who was a follower of the faith. Regina is said to have kept much of her time by tending the sheep and in prayful meditation. 

According to legend, Regina was only 15 years old when she was arrested and subjected to various forms of torture for refusing to renounce her faith. She was burned, and then was beheaded for her devotion to Christianity. Her death is said to have occurred around the year 286 AD. Despite the brutal nature of her martyrdom, young Regina remained steadfast in her faith until the very end.

Saint Regina's relics were moved from Alise to Chieri in the 6th century. Her feast day is celebrated on September 7th, and it is a time for Catholics to reflect on her courage and devotion to God. Regina was canonized by the Catholic Church in the 9th century. In 864, Her relics were transferred again to Flavigny Abbey, a former Benedictine monastery, now occupied by the Dominicans, in Flavigny, France. 

One interesting fact about Saint Regina is that her name means "queen" in Latin. It is said that she was given this name because of her regal bearing and dignified demeanor, even in the face of torture and death. Regina is often depicted in artwork with a lamb or a shepherd's crook, as a nod to her patronage of shepherds and her own work with sheep. 

Another notable event in the life of Saint Regina is the miracle that is said to have occurred at her tomb. According to legend, a woman who had been suffering from a serious illness was cured when she touched the saint's relics. This event was seen as evidence of Regina's intercession with God and helped to cement her status as a beloved patron saint.

Saint Regina was a young woman, firm in her faith and devotion to God, and willing to sacrifice her life for it.