Once upon a time, there lived in Rome a woman named Aglaida. Her father, Acacius, had once been the mayor of the city. Young and beautiful, possessing rich estates inherited from her parents, and enjoying a free life without a lawful husband, she, overcome by the passions of her frail flesh, spent her days in adultery and sin. She had a faithful slave, young and handsome, who was the steward of her house and estates. His name was Boniface, and Aglaida lived with him in a criminal relationship, satisfying her carnal desires. And there is no shame in speaking of this, for the discussion will further focus on the blessed and wondrous transformation of their lives. For when the saints are praised, their former sins are not ignored, to show that not all were blessed and righteous from their youth, but, like others, had corrupt bodies. Yet, through true repentance, a positive change in themselves, and great virtues, they became renowned for their holiness. This is recounted in the Lives of the Saints so that we sinners would not despair, but would hasten to a swift correction, knowing that with God's help, even after sinning, it is possible to be holy, if only we ourselves desire it and strive for it. Indeed, it is a beautiful, heart-warming story in which we hear how a sinner, seemingly without hope of salvation, becomes, beyond all expectation, a saint and, indeed, a martyr for Christ, like Saint Boniface, who during his life of lust served sin, but later became a confessor, a valiant ascetic, and a glorious sufferer for Christ. During his dissolute life, Boniface was a slave to sin, yet he possessed certain praiseworthy virtues: he was merciful to the poor, loving to strangers, and sympathetic to all who were in misfortune; he gave generous alms to some, lovingly provided comfort to others, and compassionately helped others. Having a firm desire to reform, Boniface often prayed to God to deliver him from the devil's wiles and help him become master of his desires and passions. And the Lord did not disdain His servant and did not allow him to sink further into sinful impurity, but deigned to arrange it so that his impure deeds were washed away by the shedding of his blood, and through this very thing his soul became like a royal purple robe and was crowned with a martyr's crown. This was accomplished in the following manner.
