February 6
Because the historical facts of Saint Dorothy’s life are sparse, her name was removed from the General Roman Calendar of the Church but is retained in some regional calendars. The earliest known facts were recorded, including the day of her martyrdom, the place where it occurred, her name, and the name of Theophilus, her companion in martyrdom.
The legend surrounding her martyrdom is this: Saint Dorothy was martyred during the reign of Diocletian, on February 6, 311, at Caesarea in Cappadocia (present-day Turkey). She was brought before a prefect, was tried and tortured, and was then sentenced to death. On the way to her execution, a lawyer, Theophilus, mocked her, saying, “Bride of Christ, send me some fruits from your bridegroom’s garden.” (Bridegroom here means “Jesus Christ,” and garden means “Heaven.”) Before Dorothy was executed, she sent this man, through a 6-year-old-boy, her headdress, which was filled with roses and fruits. Theophilus became a believer in Christ, confessed himself a Christian, and was then put on the rack and suffered death.
Because of the roses and fruits found in her headdress, Saint Dorothy has been named the patron saint of gardeners. Trees are blessed on her feast day, and she is also the patroness of brewers, brides, florists, midwives, newlyweds, and of the village of Pescia in Italy. Saint Dorothy is often pictured with Saints Barbara, Catherine, and Margaret, and together these four martyrs are called The Four Capital Virgins. (Capital in this context means “head” or “most prominent.”)
(Image © DPST, via Newscom)