10 Things To Know About Saint Pelagia

Saint Pelagia started her life as a harlot, adorning herself with sins, until eventually she wanted to transform herself into a holy ascetic, immortalizing herself into Sainthood.

1. She was called Margaret (pearl)

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During this time, she adorned her body with pearls and precious stones, which symbolizes her sinful life. For that reason, people referred to her as Margaret, which means pearl.

"She was dressed in the height of fantasy, wearing nothing but gold, pearls and

precious stones, even her bare feet were covered with gold

and pearls."

2. She cried - A lot

"She was so struck that she despaired of herself and her tears flowed in

such a flood that she could not control them"

3. She was an actress, and therefore a harlot

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4. The devil tested her many times

Pelagia had numerous "run ins" with the devil, akin to a lot of desert wanderers.

5. She was eventually baptized

To officially be washed of her sins, Bishop Nonnus baptized her.

6. After her baptism, she lived in the desert

Pelagia spent the rest of her life living in the desert, as many ascetics did, and it eventually became the place she died.

7. She became the monk Pelagius - yes, she pretended to be a man

In those times, the only way to be taken seriously was to not be a woman!

8. She traded in her pearls and gems for breaches and a tunic

Many ascetics give up their earthly possessions, especially those that suggest wealth. Superfluous wealth is considered sin to ascetics, who often times live a life of self-inflicted poverty.

9. Her ascetic lifestyle made her lose her beauty

"How could I have known her again, with a face so emaciated by fasting? It seemed to me that her eyes had sunk inwards like a great pit."

10. She was found dead in her desert home

And it was revealed she was actually a woman!