A disciple of Saint Justin Martyr, put to death at Rome around 165 with her teacher and five companions for refusing to sacrifice to Roman gods.

Saint Charitana, also known in some traditions as Charito, was among the disciples of the philosopher-martyr Saint Justin who were arrested and executed together at Rome around the year 167, refusing under interrogation before the Roman prefect Rusticus to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. Her steadfast final testimony, along with that of her companions, was recorded in the ancient Acts of the Martyrdom of Saint Justin and His Companions, one of the more reliably documented accounts of second-century Roman martyrdom.

Quick Facts

• Died: c. 167, Rome, Italy
• Venerated as: Lay martyr
• Companions: Saints Chariton, Justin, Evelpistus, Hierax, Peon, and Liberianus

Who Was Saint Charitana?

Charitana was one of a small group gathered around the Christian philosopher and apologist Justin in Rome, studying the faith under his instruction, when the group was denounced and brought before the city prefect Rusticus. The surviving Acts of this trial record each disciple being questioned individually about their belief and origin before being condemned together to death by beheading for refusing to sacrifice to the Roman gods.

Historical Setting

Rome in the mid-second century tolerated a range of philosophical schools, and Justin had presented Christianity publicly in just such philosophical terms, teaching openly in the city. His arrest, along with the students gathered around him, reflects how quickly imperial tolerance could give way to lethal enforcement of the state cult when Christian teaching was seen as a direct and public challenge to it.

Why the Church Remembers Saint Charitana

The Church remembers Charitana as part of one of antiquity’s best-attested martyrdoms, since the court record of her trial and that of her companions survives in close to its original form. Her calm, direct answers under interrogation, as recorded in the Acts, have been read and admired by Christians for nearly nineteen centuries.

Canonization and Feast Day

No formal canonization process is recorded for Saint Charitana. Her veneration rests on ancient and immemorial cult, documented from the very century of her death through the Acts of Justin and his Companions, and received into the Roman Martyrology.

What Catholics Can Learn Today

Charitana’s calm testimony before a Roman court, alongside her teacher and fellow disciples, shows the quiet strength ordinary believers can draw from serious formation in the faith. Her example encourages Catholics to take their own religious education seriously as preparation for whatever trials may come.

A Prayer to Saint Charitana

Saint Charitana, faithful disciple who stood firm before your judges, pray for all who are learning the faith today, that our formation may prepare us for whatever witness is asked of us. Amen.

Sources

• Acts of the Martyrdom of Saint Justin and His Companions
• Roman Martyrology