Blandina, and others, were arrested and tortured in an attempt to extract false statements about the early Christians in Rome during the time of Marcus Aurelius. Blandina exhibited uncommon strength and faith, amazing even her torturers. Finally in exasperation she was bound in a net and tossed to the bulls in the arena to provide public entertainment.
Eusebius said of Blandina and her companions: "They offered up to the Father a single wreath, but it was woven of diverse colors and flowers of all kinds. It was fitting that the noble athletes should endure a varied conflict, and win a great victory, that they might be entitled in the end to receive the crown supreme of life everlasting"
A prayer for this day commemorating Blandina and the Matyrs of Lyons:
"Grant, O Lord, that we who keep the feast of the holy martyrs Blandina and her companions may be rooted and grounded in love of you, and may endure the sufferings of this life for the glory that shall be revealed in us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one Go, now and forever. Amen"
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Daily office year two:
The Martyrs of Lyons - Jer. 12:1-3a; Psalm 34:1-8; 1 Peter 1:3-9; Mark 8:34-38
Eccles. 3:1-15; Psalm 119:49-72; Gal. 2:11-21; Matt. 14:1-12
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