In art, she appears contemplating a corpse, or more often a skull at her feet, whilst a dog plucks at her robe.
[63] Apparently a vulgar expression used at the period to mean, "All but a mere trifle."
[64] Catella is the word in Ferrarius; in art it is a dog.
The Bookbinder.
February 23.
- S. Martha, V. M. at Astorga, in Spain, a.d. 251.
- S. Priamian, B. M. at Ancona.
- S. Polycarp, P. C. at Rome, circ. a.d. 300.
- S. Romana, V. at Rome, circ. a.d. 324.
- S. Serenus, M. at Sirmisch, in Hungary, circ. a.d. 327.
- S. Priamianus, B. M. at Ancona.
- SS. Zebinas, Polychronius, Moses, and Damian, HH. in Syria, 5th cent.
- S. Dositheus, Monk in Palestine, circ. a.d. 530.
- S. Felix, B. of Brescia, circ. a.d. 652.
- S. Earcongotha, V. Abss. at Faremoutier, end of 7th cent.
- S. Milburgh, V. Abss. of Wenlock in Shropshire, 7th cent.
- S. Lazarus, Monk at Constantinople, circ. a.d. 870.
- S. Celsus, B. of Trèves, circ. a.d. 980.
- B. Peter Damiani, Card. B. of Ostia, a.d. 1072.
S. MARTHA, V. M.
(A.D. 251.)
[Roman Martyrology. Authority:—The ancient Acts, which are not, however, in their original form; but the substantial authenticity of the facts mentioned by them there is no reason to dispute.]