The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

STORY OF ST. SEVERA

ABOUT THE WAX FIGURE OF THE LITTLE GIRL IN THE MAIN
CHURCH--IT IS A FIGURE OF ST. SEVERA, MARTYRED IN ROME
IN THE YEAR 269. HER TOMB WAS DISCOVERED IN 1730 IN A
VERY OLD CEMETERY ON THE VIA SALARIA. THE INSCRIPTION
ON HER TOMB DID NOT GIVE TOO MUCH INFORMATION, BUT
WAS ENOUGH TO BE THAT OF AN AUTHENTIC CHRISTIAN
MARTYR. HER BONES WERE GATHERED IN A LITTLE BOX,
BROUGHT TO THIS COUNTRY, AND PRESENTED TO NOTRE DAME
IN 1867 BY BISHOP HAILANDIERE OF VINCENNES. NOTHING
IS KNOWN OF HER LIFE OTHER THAN THE FACT THAT SHE
WAS PUT TO DEATH FOR HER FAITH. THE BOX CONTAINING HER
BONES AND ASHES WAS PLACED AT THE HEAD OF THE WAX
FIGURE WHICH LIES UNDER THE GLASS INCLOSED ALTAR OF
THE RELICS IN ONE OF THE SIDE CHAPELS OF SACRED
HEART CHURCH.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; INDIANA ; BIRMINGHAM ; NOTRE DAME

Date learned: 01-22-1968