february 5. agatha of sicily, whose corpse's veil stilled rushing lava

To the judge who ordered her most famous torture-scene, Agatha said: “Cruel man, have you forgotten your mother and the breast that nourished you, that you dare to mutilate me this way?” 

february 9. apollonia, patron of tooth woes

Due to the tooth-related torments she endured, which one dentist describes as "a very significant dental experience," Apollonia is the patron of dental woes. People suffering from toothaches were invoking her for centuries before dentistry existed. 

FEBRUARY 12. Eulalia of barcelona, whose tortures equaled her years

Eulalia endured 13 tortures ("one for each year of her life."). Suffering "only made her stronger." She said, "The wounds don't hurt because God is at my side." 

February 13. catherine de ricci, purgatory's visitor

Once Catherine opted to endure 40 days of purgatory for the repose of the soul of one of her church's benefactors. For this period of time, her flesh was all covered in blisters, her skin scorched others' skin to the touch, and liquid sizzled in her mouth whenever she sipped it.

FEBRUARy 22. Margaret of cortona, born-again virgin

Margaret's relationship with Christ was ever-evolving. She longed to be wed to him, but he kept her at bay for a while. Eventually His disembodied voice went from poverella to daughter, and (at long last!) from daughter to a "still dearer title" of spouse.