3rd century
Saint Eugenia of Rome
Venerable martyr who, according to her Life, lived as a monk in men's clothing before being martyred in Rome.
Biography
Eugenia was born in Rome in the 3rd century, daughter of the prefect Philip. When her father was appointed governor of Alexandria, she studied Greek and Latin literature there.
To escape the marriage her parents arranged for her, she fled disguised in men's clothing and entered a monastery of monks; tradition holds that she later led the community under the name Eugene, until a false accusation forced her to reveal her true identity.
After her father was martyred, she returned to Rome, where she was beheaded for refusing to sacrifice to idols.