Abra of Poitiers
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Abra of PoitiersTemplate:IPAc-en (c. 343 – c. 360), Afra or Apra is a Christian saint who may have lived in the 4th century.[1]
Her existence is historically uncertain, but she may have been the daughter of Hilary of Poitiers.
Biography
Hilary of Poitiers was married; however, the existence of Abra is uncertain,[2] as it is attested by hagiographical accounts that date two centuries after the life of Hilary.[2] In particular, a letter that Hilary is said to have sent to her is considered a medieval forgery.[2][3] In this letter, he expressed concern about her fate and engaged in a conversation with her about the health of his mother.[4]
In the surviving manuscripts containing pseudonymous hymns of Hilary, she is named Abra, Afra, or Apra.[5]
She would have died shortly after his return in 360, supposedly at the age of seventeen or eighteen.[6] According to medieval legendary accounts, her father would have witnessed her death.[7]
Her existence itself is controversial; some scholars argue that she may not be the daughter of Hilary of Poitiers or that she may never have existed.[8]
She is remembered for her work among the poor and spreading of Christianity in the area around Poitiers, France.[9]
Her feast day is celebrated on 12 December in Poitiers.
Legacy
Literature
She was compared to the biblical figure of Sarah by some medieval authors.[10]
Montaigne mentioned the event of her death, which he knew through medieval sources, to apply the situation to his own time.[7]
References
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- ↑ Holweck, F. G., A Biographical Dictionary of the Saints. St. Louis, MO: B. Herder Book Co. 1924.
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- ↑ Template:Cite thesis
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