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Seeking hope from Saint Corona

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Feast Day May 14

A young 16 year-old newlywed to a Roman soldier kept a secret Christian life. She was horrified as she watched a Roman Soldier named Victor tortured publicly. As they prodded out his eyes and he steadfastly held to his Christian beliefs, she cried out from the crowd words of support and love for him and admitted her own Christianity, a guaranteed death sentence. Her limbs were tied to two palm trees that had been pulled to the ground in great tension.

The palms were released and she was ripped apart. Victor was later sainted himself and shares her Feast Day. Both suffered death at the end of their torture. Corona carries the palm to signify her martyrdom.

Each saint has a list of official patronage, but some saints acquire a more organic association. It is not an official designation and is typically listed as a protection from a danger. Although there are questions about the attribution assigned to Corona as the Patroness of pandemics, with viral stories on the internet coming out just after the coronavirus began its deadly reign, there is intriguing timeline evidence that creates a connection between this saint and the history of disease and plagues and she is certainly now forever connected to be called upon to intercede and offer protection from epidemics.

First, Corona’s life overlaps with the date of the Antonine Plague. It started when she was just a baby and ended shortly after the time of her death. It was brought by Roman soldiers who had traveled through Mesopotamia and decimated the army. Just 70 years later, the Plague of Cyprian swept through the same area brought again by Roman soldiers and killing up to 5000 Romans per day.

The area where Corona’s remains lie has been struck repeatedly with devastating plagues. Then, during the 19th Century, pilgrim farmers turned to her for protection from disease of cattle. Perhaps this history also gave her the association as patroness of butchers.

It is not a far leap to consider that perhaps between her early connections with the dates and locations of massive historical plagues, that she was invoked against disease and a symbol of protection from virus. Her remains, along with Saint Victor, the Roman soldier with whom she stood, are distributed respectfully throughout Europe. But, some lay in a Chapel in Anzu, Italy, near the original epicenter of the European outbreak of COVID-19. The local Italians have taken to praying for Saint Corona’s intercession in protecting and healing them.

In the 16th Century, a heavily wooded area rife with lumberjacks would offer a prayer to her before getting on with their dangerous work. It is ironic since she would be killed by the release of trees.

She is also called upon by treasure hunters after a successful hunter credited her for helping him find his prize. Sometimes she is shown with a treasure chest.

She is typically shown with a red gown and a blue robe. This image reflects the palms as a shade-giving structure of generosity to reflect the gesture of shelter she gave Victor in standing with him. Although tied, there is no tension in the ropes. She carries the martyr’s palm in her ringed hand and keeps her right hand on her lungs to give protection to those suffering from COVID-19 and other viruses that affect the lungs.

She wears a crown of daffodils, both poisonous and healing. The daffodil carries a center element referred to scientifically as the corona. Her halo reflects the COVID-19 cell, a place to draw immunity. May this image bring healing and protection from disease.

Wells is a traditional New Mexico retablo artist. She is seen monthly in the Gallup Sun.

Enjoy coloring this image of the month!

By Sean Wells
Contributing Artist