St. Theodota (29 September): Butler's Lives of the Saints

About this sermon

In this episode from The Lives of the Saints by Father Alden Butler, we recount the powerful story of Saint Theodotta, a repentant sinner turned Christian martyr, who gave her life for Christ in Philippopolis (Thrace) during the persecution under Licinius in the year 318. Once a harlot, St. Theodotta courageously refused to offer sacrifice to false gods and openly confessed her faith in Christ. Despite being scourged, torn with iron combs, having her teeth plucked out, and ultimately condemned to be stoned, she remained steadfast. Her faith inspired 750 men to boldly declare themselves Christians. St. Theodotta’s prayerful endurance reminds us of the great mercy of Christ, who redeems sinners and crowns the faithful with eternal glory. 🙏 Key Takeaways: St. Theodotta’s conversion from grave sin to holiness. Her courage under brutal persecution. The spiritual strength found in prayer and trust in Christ. The inspiring witness of martyrdom in early Christianity. 00:00 St. Theodota, Martyr — September 29 00:17 Persecution in the year 318 00:25 Philippopolis in Thrace 00:34 The pagan festival of Apollo 00:42 Theodota refuses the pagan sacrifice 00:50 “I have been a grievous sinner” 00:59 Her courage inspires 750 men 01:07 Imprisoned for twenty days 01:14 Continual prayer in prison 01:22 Asking Christ to forgive her past 01:31 Theodota acknowledges her former life 01:40 “I am a Christian” 01:48 Pagans urge her to save herself 01:55 “I will never abandon the true God” 02:02 Tortured upon the rack 02:10 “I adore You, O Christ” 02:18 Salt and vinegar poured into her wounds 02:26 Theodota asks for strength to persevere 02:35 Her teeth are pulled out 02:44 Condemned to death by stoning 02:53 Rahab, the Good Thief & the mercy of Christ 03:00 The martyr receives her heavenly crown https://sensusfidelium.com/the-lives-of-the-fathers-martyrs-and-other-principal-saints/september/st-theodota/ Get Butler's Lives of the Saints here: https://loretopublications.idevaffiliate.com/idevaffiliate.php?id=102&url=1 #SaintTheodotta #LivesOfTheSaints #CatholicSaints #ChristianMartyrs #FaithAndPerseverance #CatholicFaith #ChurchHistory #Martyrdom #CatholicInspiration #ChristianFaith 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴 ✝️ 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/ 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴