Feast day: March 22
When did St. Lea of Rome live: in the fourth century
Biography of St. Lea of Rome:
There is only very little information about St. Lea's life. The only information that we have, is provided by a letter from St. Jerome to St. Marcella. According to this letter, St. Lea was a pious widow who entered a Roman monastery after the death of her husband. Later, she was elected prioress of the convent. In Jerome's letter, he asks Marcella to serve Jesus rather than the world, and to take St. Lea as an example for a simple woman who has been blessed after death because she was worthy of heaven. Lea died in 384 while reciting a Psalm.
Patronage: St. Lea is patron saint of widows
Statues and wooden sculptures made in Val Gardena representing St. Lea of Rome - portrayal, imagery and emblem: The statue above represents St. Lea as a pious widow with folded hands and a cross at her feet.