(DATE UNCERTAIN.)
[Venerated at Avila, in Spain, where her relics are preserved. No
authority for her story except popular tradition.]
This saint was the daughter of poor parents, near Avila. She was very
beautiful, and a youth fell in love with her, and pursued her one day
to an oratory, whither she was wont to resort, in the forest. Knowing
that his intentions were evil, and that there was no human assistance
at hand, according to the popular legend, Paula fled to the crucifix,
and, embracing it, besought the Saviour to be her deliverer from the
young pursuer. At once a beard sprouted on her chin, and moustaches on
her lip. The youth coming in, shortly after, did not recognise her,
and asked the bearded personage if he had seen a young damsel pass
that way. Paula replied that no one had come into the chapel except
herself, whereupon the youth withdrew. It is impossible to say what
foundation of truth there is in this curious story, which bears some
resemblance to that of S. Wilgifortis (July 20th). The festival of S.
Paula is observed on Feb. 20th, at Avila. This story would not deserve
notice, but that it is sometimes represented in Spanish art.