Saint Sosanna, a virgin, was the daughter of the presbyter Gavinius and the niece of Saint Pope Gaius. From a young age, she dedicated herself to God. Emperor Diocletian, hearing of her virtue and beauty, decided to betroth her to Maximian Herculeus. After discussions with the family, Claudius and his brother Maxim accepted Baptism. Upon learning that the imperial relatives had converted to Christianity, Diocletian sent them into exile, and soon the martyrs were burned in Ostia. Sosanna was taken to the palace, where the empress, a secret Christian, supported her intention to preserve her virginity. The empress informed the emperor of Sosanna's steadfastness. Diocletian allowed her to be dishonored, but an Angel protected the saint. Macedonius began to urge Sosanna to offer a sacrifice to the idols, to which she replied: 'I myself offer myself as a sacrifice to my Lord.' Macedonius beheaded her. The empress secretly buried the body of the saint, and the room where the murder occurred was consecrated into a church by Saint Pope Gaius. Soon, the presbyter Gavinius also accepted a martyr's end, and in 296, Saint Gaius did as well.
