Saint Lea of Rome

Lea was a noblewoman of Rome in the 4th century. After the early death of her husband, she renounced her wealth and comfortable life and joined the circle of devout women gathered around Saint Marcella on the Aventine Hill. She dressed simply, spent nights in prayer and became the leader of a small community of women, serving them as a mother and a servant rather than as a mistress.

Almost everything we know about her comes from a letter Saint Jerome wrote to Marcella around 384, upon hearing of Lea's death. Jerome contrasted her with Vettius Agorius Praetextatus, a powerful pagan consul-elect who died around the same time surrounded by honors: the proud official, he wrote, had lost everything, while the humble Lea had been welcomed into heaven. Her memory is kept in the Roman Martyrology on March 22.

Lea is remembered in Rome among the holy women of the Aventine. Girls and women named Lea, Leah or Lía may celebrate their name day with her, often by giving something they treasure to someone in need.