Saint Apollonia, Patroness of Dentistry Since the early middle ages, the legend of Saint Apollonia has been regarded by the Roman Catholic Church as a source of comfort and alleviation for sufferers of toothache. During the eighteenth century, the patronage of this Saint was extended to the dental profession. For example, the “toothbreakers” of Turin always carried out their extractions “con adjute di Sancta Apollonia.” The main source of the historical background to the legend is a letter written by Bishop Dionysius of Alexandria describing the persecutions of the Christians in that city in the year A.D. 249. The bishop makes a special reference to the behavior of the virgin Apollonia who refused to renounce her faith at the order of the magistrate. For this defiance, her teeth were knocked out, her jaws were broken, and she was threatened finally with the stake. Apollonia appeared to consent, but as soon as she was released from her chains, she cast herself into flames to die a martyr’s death. The Roman Martyrology records February 9, her birth anniversary as her feastday.
Prayer to St. Apollonia O glorious St. Apollonia, patron saint of dentisty and refuge to all those suffering from diseases of the tooth, I consecrate myself to thee, beseeching thee to number me among thy clients. Assist me by your intercession with God in my daily work and intercede with Him to obtain for me a happy death. Pray that my heart like thine may be inflamed with the love of Jesus and Mary, through Christ our Lord. Amen. O my God bring me safe through temptation and strengthen me as thou didst our own patroness, Apollonia through Christ our Lord. Amen. Anonymous
“Saint Apollonia” oil on Canvas. Source: http://www.wikigallery.org/ Author : North-Italian School