In 303, Emperor Diocletian outlawed the possession of sacred Scripture. Three Christian sisters living in Thessalonica at the time—Agape, Chionia, and Irene—concealed the several volumes of Scripture that they owned.

Later, the three were arrested for refusing to eat food sacrificed to Roman gods. When they were taken, their house was searched and the Scriptures discovered. Agape and Chionia were martyred first, and when Irene was commanded to deny her faith, she, too, was condemned to die. She was exposed in a house of prostitution first, but when she remained untouched, she was killed. It is thought that she was killed with arrows, which she shows in this illustration.

The relics of St. Irene rest in the reliquary chapel in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on Notre Dame’s campus.

St. Irene, who, with your sisters, gave your life for love of Scripture—pray for us!

Image credit:
The image of St. Irene was created by Matthew Alderman ’06 and is used here with his permission.