Thecla is known in the Church as “the equal to the apostles,” and she is an important early martyr whose example inspired other women. She was one of the most honored saints of the early Church.

We don’t know much for certain about her. The stories that have been handed down were written several centuries after her life and death. They tell us that she was well-educated and eloquent, and that she was engaged to be married before meeting St. Paul in Iconium. Paul’s preaching encouraged Thecla to dedicate her life to the Lord, even foregoing marriage and consecrating her virginity to God. Her parents and her fiancé were angry and tried to change her mind, but she stood firm.

Out of spite, her fiancé reported Paul to the authorities, who was then beaten and thrown out of the city. Thecla was arrested and condemned to die at the stake, but a miraculous thunderstorm saved her. She was later sentenced to be killed by beasts, but another miracle prevented her from being harmed. Legend has it that she joined Paul to help spread the Gospel.

The relics of St. Thecla rest in the reliquary chapel in the Basilica, and her image is used here with permission from Catholic.org.

St. Thecla, equal to the apostles, pray for us!