Baring-Gould’s sources: Gallican Martyrologies on Jan. 6th. As this day is the Epiphany, the commemoration of S. Marca is generally transferred. But on this day at F£re-en-Tardeno)s in the department of Aisne, the translation of the arm of the saint from Fismes. Authority: — The Acts in lections of the Breviary of Rheims.] S. Macra was a wealthy and beautiful virgin who lived near the present city of Rheims, brought up by Christian parents. Rictiovarus carried out in Gaul the edict of persecution issued by Diocletian and Maximian. Macra was denounced to him, and was brought before his tribunal. “ Know, tyrant 1” she exclaimed, when placed on the rack, “ that you cannot pluck my faith from my heart. Jesus Christ is my all-in-all, He is my treasure, my life, my bliss, my capital, my temple, my altar, and nothing can separate me from Him.”

She was taken off the rack and taken back to prison. Rictiovarus having moved to Fismes, she was conducted there to hear her final sentence, and finding her still constant, he ordered her breasts to be cut off. After the execution of this horrible sentence she was taken back to prison. During the night an old man, moved with compassion, obtained access to her prison, and offered to anoint her wounds with a restorative ointment, but she declined his kindness, saying that she was quite ready to endure all the sufferings that were laid upon her, as drawing her nearer to her suffering Lord. Next day she was thrown on a bed of red-hot coals, and died thereon. The head and other relics [the bodily remains of a saint, or objects they used, kept with honor] of S. Macra are preserved at Fismes, her arm at Ffere-en-Tardenois, and to the latter place a pilgrimage is made on June nth. In art S. Macra appears with her breasts on a plate. June ix.) B. Aleydis.