Feastday: September 23
When did St. Thecla live: in the 1st century AD
Biography of St. Thecla:
Thecla was born in Icnomium 30 AD. After hearing the preaching of the apostle St. Paul, she decided to break off her engagement to Thamyris in order to live a life of virginity. Paul was banished from the city because of his teaching and Thecla was ordered to be burned at the stake. Miraculously, a storm rescued her and saved her life. After his event, she flew with Paul and became a follower of Paul the Apostle. When she met a noblemen called Alexander who tired to kidnap her, she violently resisted. Because of this incident, she was sentenced to be eaten by wild beasts. Again, she was miraculously saved and decided to live as a hermits in a cave. There is no other information about Thecla's life. Her feast day occurs on September 23.
Patronage: St. Thecla is patron saint of Tarragona in Spain. She is also often referred to as patron saint of computers.
Statues and wooden sculptures representing St. Thecla - portrayal, symbolism and emblem: St. Thecla is shown as a prisoner. Her hands are tied to a tree trunk and beneath her, there is a fire.