Christians had lived relatively free of persecution for many decades after the death of emperor Valerian however this changed greatly by the year 244 under the rule of Diocletian. He issued what became known as the Great Persecution, a series of laws that began to purge Christians, and destroy churches and literature.

Zoe of Rome was a noblewoman married to a Roman court official at that time. For 6 years she suffered from a condition that left her unable to speak.

When she met St. Sebastian, she fell at his feet so that he would heal her. Sebastian made the Sign of the Cross over her and from that moment, her speech miraculously returned.

She had a vision of an angel standing next to Sebastian holding a book in which was written everything that the Saint had preached. Her first words gave thanks and praise to God, and many witnesses of the miracle were brought to faith in Christ.

Zoe and her husband then received baptism, along with many others who had come to believe in Christ, through Sebastian’s work.

Zoe became greatly devoted to St. Peter the Apostle, and was arrested while praying at his tomb. She was martyred by being hung from a tree by her hair, with a fire lit under her feet. After her death, her body was thrown into the Tiber River in the year 286.

She appeared in a vision to St. Sebastian, who was in prison awaiting his execution, to tell him of her martyrdom and subsequent glory.

Her feast day is July 5.

For God’s Glory.