ON SAINT BASILIA,
MARTYR IN MAURETANIA.
CommentaryBasilia, Martyr in Mauretania (St.)
G. H.
The writers of the Hieronymian Martyrology did not all find in it these words equally: "In Mauretania the birthday of Basilia." For in the Echternach copy, instead of "natalis," is read "Talis et Basiliae"; in the Lucca codex, "Bariliae" for "Basiliae." But the reading of the others is confirmed in Notker in this manner: "In Mauretania, Saint Basilia." The same is read in the very ancient manuscripts of Reichenau, Rheinau, and Barberini, and are printed in Grevenus and Canisius. In the Ado appended to the works of Surius it is: "In Mauretania, Saint Basilla." Which Rosweyde cast into the Appendix. Without an added place, Basilia is celebrated in the Tallaght, Prague, Augsburg, and another Paris manuscript. Of another Basilia who suffered at Corinth, we have treated above from the Greek authors. Another Basilia who suffered in Africa with many Martyrs is venerated on March 19. Another Basilia is listed below on April 22 with Martyrs, but assigned to Alexandria. Other Matrons also called Basilia occur in other months. Moreover, very many Martyrs are venerated called Basilla and Basilissa. Nor is it a wonder. This name was seen as honorable and breathing something royal in its meaning; hence it was frequent in the appellations of women; just as among the men of those times there were very many Basilei, Basilii, Basilisci, and Basilidae.