Saint Eulalia came from one of the most respected families in Spain around the year 290. She was raised in the Christian faith and was taught to live with deep devotion. From a very young age she was known for her gentle nature, modesty and strong spiritual life.

She loved the holy vocation of virginity and showed this through her serious manner and her refusal of fancy clothing, ornaments and worldly entertainments. Even as a child, her heart was turned toward God. The things that usually attract the young held no charm for her, and each day she grew more dedicated to a life of virtue.

According to tradition, she was only twelve when Emperor Diocletian issued the harsh laws in 304, ordering that everyone, regardless of age or position, must offer sacrifice to the Roman gods.

Though still very young, Saint Eulalia saw this as a call to defend her faith. Her mother, noticing her eagerness to accept martyrdom, took her away to the countryside. But Eulalia escaped during the night and, after a difficult journey, reached Merida before dawn.

That same morning, as soon as the court opened, she presented herself before the governor, Dacian, and accused him of endangering souls by forcing people to deny the one true God.

Dacian ordered her to be brought forward. He first tried to persuade her gently, reminding her of the advantages her noble birth and youth gave her, and the sorrow her refusal would cause her parents. When this had no effect, he threatened her and placed cruel instruments of torture before her. He told her she could avoid all suffering if she would simply touch a small amount of salt and incense in honor of the Roman gods.

Moved by zeal and fearful of being deceived, the young saint pushed aside the idol, stepped on the offering cake and even spat toward the judge.

Enraged, Dacian commanded the executioners to torture her. They tore her sides with iron hooks until her bones were exposed. Through this suffering she spoke of the blows as trophies won for Christ. Burning torches were then held to her body, but instead of cries of pain, she continued to give thanks to God. Finally, the flames caught her hair, and she was overcome by the smoke and fire.

Witnesses say that at the moment of her death, a white dove appeared to rise from her mouth and fly upward. Terrified by this sign, the executioners fled, leaving her body behind.

Her relics are preserved with great reverence in Oviedo, where she is honored as patroness. The Roman Martyrology commemorates her on December 10.