The holy Virgin Martyr Encratis of Saragossa
Saint Encratis (Engracia in modern Spanish) of Saragossa vehemently reproved Dacian, Diocletian’s puppet in Spain, for his cruelty to the Christians. The fifth-century poet Prudentius calls her virgo violenta, the “vehement virgin.” For this, her sides were torn with iron claws, her left breast was cut off, her entrails exposed, and part of her liver was dragged out and left hanging. In this state she was cast into prison, and Dacian would not behead her, but left her in agony. So great was her strength that she lived on until her organs mortified. She is one of the most highly celebrated Martyrs of Spain.
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