Saint of the Day – 10 December – Saint Eulalia of Mérida (Died 304) Virgin Martyr. Born c 290 in Spain and died by being tortured and burned alive in c 304 in Merida, Spain. Eulalia was a devout Christian virgin, aged 12–14, whose mother sequestered her in the countryside because all citizens were required to avow faith in the Roman gods. Also known as Aulaire, Aulazie, Olalla. Patronages – Mérida, Spain; Oviedo, Spain; runaways, torture victims, widows, inclement weather.

St Eulalia was a native of Merida, in Spain. She was but twelve years old when the bloody edicts of Diocletian were issued. Eulalia ran away from her safe home in the countryside and presented herself at the law court of the cruel Governor Dacian at Emerita. She professed herself a Christian, reproached him for attempting to destroy souls by compelling them to renounce the only true God. She…