ANASTASIA (Saint) Martyr (December 24) (4th century) This famous Roman matron is commemorated daily in the Canon of the Mass. Particulars about her are given in the alleged Acts of Saint Chrysogonus the Martyr, stated to have been her spiritual director. She was of noble birth, and on the death of her husband devoted all her time and wealth to the seeking out and succouring the poor, more especially the persecuted Christians. She followed Saint Chrysogonus into Illyria when that holy priest was carried thither as a prisoner; but was herself seized and imprisoned, to be in the end put to the torture and burned alive. She suffered under Diocletian (A.D. 304). The scene of her martyrdom was the Island of Palmarola off the Gulf of Gaeta, where about the same time two hundred and seventy other Christians of both sexes obtained their crown in various ways. Her body was taken back to Rome, and a famous church was there dedicated in her honour. In it the Popes have been accustomed to celebrate a Mass yearly on Christmas Day.