One of the many Martyrs of the Diocletian Persecution, St. Dorothy went to her heavenly Spouse on February 6, 311 A.D. after many torturers and sufferings. As she was being led out to be executed, the pagan lawyer Theophilus mocked her virginity, demanding to see the fruits from her Bridegroom’s garden. Before she was executed,St. Dorthy sent Theophilus her headdress, via a 6 year old boy, and when he received it, he found it smelled of fruits and roses.
Theophilus was converted to Christ by this miracle, and was martyred himself shortly afterwards. Because of this miracle, St. Dorothy is venerated as the patron saint of gardeners. She is often represented with an angel and a wreath of flowers, and in some places trees are blessed on her feast.
