Saint Apollonia

Each year on 9th February, Saint Apollonia is memorized. I had an aunt who was called Plonie and until today I never knew where that name came from.

In the year 249, when Decius was emperor of Alexandria, the greatest attack upon Christianity up to that time was launched. For the first time, an emperor called for its total extermination.
To serve their gods, the emperor's followers slaughtered Christians. Apollonia was also seized and all her teeth were knocked out. Then they tried to force her to worship and sacrifice in favour of the emperor. They made a fire and threatened to burn her alive. She asked for a moment of prayer and when they gave in, she ran into the fire. A double crown of martyrdom and virginity showed in the flames.

The word "saint" comes from the Latin word sanctus (holy).
Saints are rewarded with the Kingdom of God for giving up their life (very often literally). Many stages lead to Saintdom and so it's a long way to recognition by the Church.

Because of what was done to her, Saint Apollonia became the Patron Saint of Dentists.