March 10
Anastacia the Patricia
Founder
She was born in Constantinople, she died in the Scythian desert in 567.
Biography
She was a lady of great beauty. Emperor Justinian (d. 565) only had eyes for Anastasia when she entered court. Hence, the Empress Theodora had frequent attacks of jealousy. When Anastasia noticed this, she left for Alexandria where she founded a monastery. When Theodora died (548), Justinian sent for her to marry her. But the envoys did not find anyone, because the night before she escaped disguised as a man to the Scythian desert. There he met Father Daniel, who showed him a grotto not far from his community. Anastasia remained in hiding for six months; Later, under the name Anastasius the Eunuch (it was impossible for him to change his voice), he spent the ordinary life of any desert monk for 19 years. When she felt like she was dying, she asked Father Daniel to assist her in her last moments. The religious buried her in the grotto. It was then that she revealed to the community who Anastasius the Eunuch was and how this woman had preferred the divine vocation to the honor of being empress of the East.
Practical advice
With simplicity and joy, make a visit to the Blessed Sacrament, even if it is brief, and offer that effort for someone who needs help.