Saint Prisca (Priscilla)

Saint Prisca is one of the early saints of the Church. She is also sometimes called Priscilla. Her story comes from the time when Christians were not safe in Rome. People had to be brave to follow Jesus. Prisca is remembered for her strong faith, even though she was very young.

Many stories about her were told over the years. Some details are hard to prove. But Christians have honored her for centuries. Her name is connected to a church in Rome. This shows how important she was to early believers.

Saint Prisca is often shown as a young girl. She is brave and full of love for Jesus. Her story reminds us that faith is for people of every age. Even the young can be strong in following Christ.

The Church celebrates her feast day on January 18. Many Catholics around the world remember her that day. Her life still speaks to us today.

Not much is known for sure about Prisca’s early life. Tradition says she was born into a Christian family in Rome. Some stories say she came from a noble family. Others say she was from a simple home. Either way, she learned about Jesus at a young age.

Some believe that Prisca was baptized by Saint Peter himself. This would have been a great honor. If true, it shows how close she was to the beginnings of the Church.

Prisca grew up during a time when Christians were in danger. The Roman leaders did not trust the new faith. Many Christians were arrested or killed. Prisca would have known about these risks.

Even as a child, Prisca chose to follow Jesus. She did not hide her faith. This was a brave choice for someone so young. Her early love for Christ prepared her for what would happen later.

The story says that Prisca was arrested because she was a Christian. The emperor at the time was not friendly to Christians. Some traditions say it was Emperor Claudius, but others name Emperor Domitian. Either way, it was a dangerous time.

Prisca was brought before the Roman authorities. They told her to worship the Roman gods. They promised rewards if she obeyed. They threatened punishment if she refused.

Prisca would not turn away from Jesus. She said that she could not worship false gods. This made the leaders very angry. They tried to force her, but she stayed firm.

The story says she was beaten and even thrown to wild animals. But the animals did not harm her. In the end, she was killed by beheading. She gave her life rather than give up her faith.

After her death, Christians honored Prisca as a martyr. Her story gave courage to other believers who were also suffering. They remembered her brave stand for Jesus.

There is a church in Rome called the Church of Saint Prisca. It stands on the Aventine Hill. Some say it was built over the house where she lived. It is one of the oldest churches in the city.

The early Church believed that martyrs went straight to heaven. They were seen as heroes of faith. Prisca was remembered this way. People prayed at her tomb and asked for her prayers.

Her story also reminds us of the early Christians’ struggles. They lived in secret and faced many dangers. Prisca’s memory helps us understand their courage.

Saint Prisca was honored as a saint from the earliest days. She did not go through a formal canonization like later saints. Early martyrs were recognized by the local Church and remembered in prayer.

Her feast day is January 18. It is still kept today in the Roman Catholic Church. She is remembered for her courage and her faith at a young age.

Prisca is considered a patron saint of children. She is also connected to the city of Rome because of her strong witness there. Some even call her a protector of the early Church.

Today, Saint Prisca’s story reminds us that anyone, even the young, can be faithful and strong. Her example calls us to love Jesus with all we have, no matter the cost.

The Strength of a Shared Mission

Saint Prisca and her husband Aquila show us what a strong relationship looks like. They worked together, grew in faith together, welcomed others into their home, and supported the early Church—even risking their lives for Saint Paul.

Their secret was simple: they shared a clear purpose, kept learning, held each other accountable, and never gave up. Every relationship faces pressure, but Prisca and Aquila show that with God at the center, couples can thrive in any situation.