Saint Paschasia

Paschasia († 178? in Dijon) was a martyr and saint. According to legend, Paschasia was baptized and instructed in Christian doctrine by Saint Benignus of Dijon, who is said to have brought Christianity to the region of Divio (modern-day Dijon). She was reportedly beheaded and her body committed to the flames. The Bollandists date Paschasia's martyrdom to the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Since the martyrdom of Benignus is now generally dated to the time of Emperor Aurelian, around 270, a later date is possible. Paschasia's remains were said to have been collected by Christians and buried next to the bones of Saint Benignus. In 1001, an altar was dedicated to her in the Church of St. Guillaume. Her feast day is January 9. Gregory of Tours reports that she is invoked as a patron saint against eye ailments.