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Oil Dedicated to St Crispina

St Crispina a Roman woman of rank who lived at Thacora in Numidia, North Africa. We can learn much of her deep Christian conviction from the minutes of her court trial which, fortunately, have preserved.

In 304 A.D., the persecution of Emperor Diocletian well under way. In an attempt to reach a “final solution”. With regard to Christians, Diocletian had imposed on everybody the “patriotic” duty of offering sacrifice to the pagan gods. Proconsul (governor) Anullinus sat as magistrate in the city of Thebessa on December 5. We give key passages from his dialogue with Domina Crispina.

The clerk announced to Anullinus: “Crispina, a lady of Thacora, to tried at your good pleasure. She has spurned the laws of our lords the emperors.”

“Bring her in,” said the proconsul. When she stood before him, he first made sure that she understood the decree demanding sacrifice.

“I have never sacrificed,” said Crispina, “and I shall not do so, save to the one true God and to our Lord, Jesus Christ, His son, who born and died.”

“You are a stubborn and insolent woman,” Anullinus rejoined, “and you will soon begin to feel the force of our laws against your will.”

“Whatever happens,” Crispina replied, “I shall be glad to suffer on behalf of the faith which I hold firm.”