Sts. Rufina & Secunda, Virgins and Martyrs (3rd century)
Rufina and Secunda were sisters and Roman virgins who rejected marriage to Armentarius and Verinus because they had vowed their virginity to Christ. They were apprehended during the reign of the Emperors Valerian and Gallienus and, when they could not be swayed from their resolution by the blandishments and threats of Junius, the prefect, they were afflicted with various kinds of torments.         But when, guarded by angels, they persevered in their holy resolution, they were beheaded at the tenth milestone on the Aurelien Way. Their bodies were buried by a matron named Plautilla on her estate outside the city, and were afterwards buried in the basilica of Constantine, near the baptistry.