Saint Thecla of Iconium (23 September): Butler's Lives of the Saints

About this sermon

Saint Thecla, often called the Protomartyr among women, is one of the most celebrated saints of the early Church. Converted by the preaching of St. Paul around 45 AD, she embraced a life of holy virginity, breaking off her arranged marriage to follow Christ with courage and faith. Despite fierce opposition from her family, society, and even persecution by Roman authorities, she endured threats of fire, wild beasts, and martyrdom. Miraculously preserved by God from lions and flames, Thecla’s witness became a shining example of purity, courage, and total devotion to Christ. Her tomb in Seleucia became a place of pilgrimage, and the great Cathedral of Milan is dedicated in her honor. The Church remembers her as a Virgin, Martyr, and Disciple of Paul, a model of faith who chose the eternal treasure of Christ over worldly comfort. 🙏 Let us imitate Saint Thecla’s love for purity, humility, prayer, and sacrifice, striving to follow Christ with steadfast faith. 0:00 Lives of the Saints – Father Albin Butler 0:11 September 23 – Saint Thecla, Virgin and Martyr 1:00 Conversion through Saint Paul 2:00 Breaking off marriage for Christ 3:30 Facing persecution and rejection 4:50 Miracles with wild beasts and fire 6:00 Devotion, retirement, and holy death 7:00 Lessons for Christians today https://sensusfidelium.com/the-lives-of-the-fathers-martyrs-and-other-principal-saints/september/st-thecla/ Get Butler's Lives of the Saints here: https://loretopublications.idevaffiliate.com/idevaffiliate.php?id=102&url=1 Saint Thecla, Saint Thecla Virgin, Saint Thecla Martyr, September 23 Saint, Lives of the Saints, Catholic Saints, Orthodox Saints, Early Church Saints, Protomartyr Thecla, Saint Paul and Thecla, Life of St Thecla, Miracles of St Thecla, Christian Martyr, Saints and Martyrs, Feast Day September 23 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴 ✝️ SUPPORT THE MISSION 🙏 Donate https://sensusfidelium.com/donate-support/ 📬 Free Catholic Newsletter https://sensusfidelium.com/newsletter/ 📰 Read on Substack https://sensusfidelium.substack.com/ ──────────────────── 📺 WATCH & READ 📺 Sensus Fidelium App https://sensusfidelium.tv/ 📚 Sensus Fidelium Press https://sensusfideliumpress.com/ 👕 Official Merchandise https://sensusfidelium.com/merchandise/ ──────────────────── 🤝 PARTNER WITH US 📣 Advertise on Sensus Fidelium https://sensusfidelium.com/advertise-with-sensus-fidelium/ 🎤 Invite Steve Cunningham to Speak https://sensusfidelium.com/speaking/ ⛪ Parish Formation & Consultation https://sensusfidelium.com/for-parishes/ ──────────────────── 🌎 CATHOLIC COMMUNITY ✝️ Trusted Catholic Businesses https://sensusfidelium.com/catholic-businesses/ 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴