St. Flavia Domitilla

Our Saint

Flavia Domitilla was the niece of Flavius Clemens, a Roman consul, in 95 A.D.  At a time when Christianity was forbidden and persecution was prevalent, Flavia Domitilla, who was baptized by St. Peter, was known as the “Big Mother” for all Christians.    As a member of a ruling family, she was protected from the intolerance of religious freedom in Rome.  However, with this privilege, she hid Christians in her estate, hosted masses secretly and provided burial grounds for Christians.  These burial grounds still honor her heroic acts and are called the Catacombs of St. Domitilla.

Unfortunately, her faith was later revealed by a disgruntled suitor when she consecrated her virginity to the Lord.    Rather than an execution, her grand-uncle, Domitian, the Emperor of Rome, banished her to thevolcanic island prison of Ponza.  Though she was to live a miserable life, the people on the isle of Ponza  remembered Flavia Domitilla for her perseverance, faith and commitment.  Religious pilgrims are still shown the cell in which Flavia Domitilla endured her lengthy martyrdom.

When Trajan became the Emperor of Rome, he ordered the return of Flavia Domitilla.  She was returned to Terracina, 100 miles from Rome, and was given a choice.   The Emperor ordered her to either recant her faith or die.    Instead of denouncing the Lord, she chose death.  In 65 A.D., the cells of Flavia Domitilla and two other professed Christians were set on fire.  On this day, Flavia Domitilla became a martyr for the Lord.

Centuries later, Flavia Domitilla still remains in the hearts and minds of many Christians, especially in Hilllside, IL.   Remembering the humble beginnings of Hillside mission at Mount Carmel cemetery,   Archbishop Mundelein associated them to the embodiment of love, service and sacrifice of the Catacombs of St. Domitilla in Rome.  Thus, Flavia Domitilla became the patron saint of St. Domitilla parish.