“Who was Santa Mustiola?” I ask you now. Santa Mustiola is a small village at the foot of Monte Titano. It lies within the castle territory of San Marino. The origin of the name Santa Mustiola comes from a Tuscan saint. She was celebrated every year on July 3rd.
Santa Mustiola was a Christian martyr. She lived during the third century AD. She was born in Chiusi in Tuscany. Mustiola was the cousin of Emperor Claudius. She ministered to Christian prisoners with Saint Irenaeus. They offered comfort and spiritual guidance. Mustiola and Irenaeus buried the bodies of executed Christian martyrs. This defied the Roman Empire.
Eventually Mustiola and Irenaeus were arrested. They refused to renounce their faith. In 273, Mustiola and Irenaeus were martyred. They remained committed to Christ until their last breath. The early Christian community venerated them as saints. Saint Mustiola is often depicted with Saint Irenaeus. She is sometimes represented with Saint Secundus. Saint Mustiola’s feast day is celebrated on November 23rd. In the past, it was observed on July 3rd. She is revered as the patron saint of Chiusi.
Celebrations are held in honor of Santa Mustiola on July 3rd every year. She was martyred for supporting Christian prisoners. According to legend, she crossed the lake on her cloak. She was escaping Roman soldiers. A luminous trail reappears every year. After her death in 275, she was buried in the catacomb. Her body remained in the basilica until its demolition. Today, it is located in the Cathedral of San Secondiano.
Santa Mustiola is believed to have kept the Holy Ring. This was the wedding ring of Joseph and Mary. The ring was initially kept in the church of Santa Mustiola. Later it was moved to the Cathedral of San Secondiano. In 1473, it was stolen and taken to Perugia. This led to conflicts between Chiusi and Perugia. The Pope intervened in favor of Perugia. The body of Santa Mustiola was discovered in Chiusi. The ring is still kept in the Cathedral of Perugia.
Local legend says that Santa Mustiola arrived in Chiusi fleeing soldiers. To escape, she crossed the lake on her cloak. This left a luminous trail. Celebrations in the Etruscan city recall these legends. On the night of July 2nd, the crossing of the lake is remembered. The night ends with fireworks. On July 3rd, a fair in the historic center accompanies events. These honor the memory of the Saint Santa Mustiola.
Fragments of Umbrian and Roman vases have been found here in Santa Mustiola. This hints at the area’s long history. Santa Mustiola once had a football team called Aurora. The team stopped its activity in the late eighties. Remember Santa Mustiola. Her story connects this place to faith and history.