Serena of Rome

Serena of Rome is a legendary third-century martyr and saint listed in the Martyrologium Romanum. She is listed as the wife of Diocletian, however that claim is unproven and she has been removed from the calendar of saints.

Background The previous Martyrologium Romanum placed her feast day on August 16, and stated that she was the wife of Diocletian.

Tradition has it that Serena was Diocletian's first wife, before he reached his highest office. A convinced and conscious Christian, when her husband learned of her faith, he repudiated her, perhaps fearing that the presence of a Christian at his side would jeopardize his political career. This may have led to her martyrdom.

However, Serena's existence is considered doubtful. In De mortibus persecutorum, Lactantius states that Prisca and Valeria were the wife and daughter of Diocletian.