Saint Galla of Rome

Memorial: 5 October
Profile: Daughter of Roman patrician Symmachus the Younger who served as consul in 485; sister-in-law of Boethius. Lay woman, marrying soon after her father's murder, but widowed after a year of marriage; legend says she grew a beard to avoid further offers of marriage. Wealthy and pious recluse on Vatican Hill, joining with a community of women near Saint Peter's Basilica, caring for the poor and sick, she founded a convent and hospital. Reputed to have once healed a young deaf and mute girl by blessing some water, and having the girl drink from it.

A brief biography of her was written by Saint Gregory the Great in his Dialogues. Believed to have been the inspiration for Concerning the State of Widowhood written by Saint Fulgentius of Ruspe. An image now above the altar of Santa Maria in Campitelli, Italy and formally housed in a church dedicated to Galla, is thought to have been based on a vision Galla received of Our Lady.
Died: c.550 of breast cancer
Additional Information: Book of Saints, by the Monks of Ramsgate
Catholic Encyclopedia
Our Sunday Visitor's Encyclopedia of Saints, by Matthew Bunson, Margaret Bunson, and Stephen Bunson
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