Lentorama 2018: Second String Saints

Day 34: Dorothea of Caesarea

The earliest record of Dorothea contains three items: when she was martyred, where she was martyred, and her name and the name of Theophilus. The legend of her death says that Theophilus was a pagan who mocked Dorothea while she was on her way to her execution. She sent him her headdress, whose fragrance of roses and fruits was taken as a sign. Theophilus declared himself a Christian and was martyred for his troubles.

From that story (later embellished), veneration of Dorothea grew and she became the patron saint of gardeners. She also became associated with better known female saints, such as the group known as the Fourteen Holy Helpers.  It never hurts to have good PR.