Sept. 24 (Maronite Calendar of Saints)

St. Thecla, Equal to the Apostles
Thecla was a virgin of Iconium who was converted to Christianity and led to dedicate herself to perpetual virginity by the preaching of the Apostle Paul. Miraculously saved from death at the stake to which she had been condemned, she went with St. Paul to Antioch in Pisidia where she was thrown to the wild beasts and was again saved from death by a miracle. After this she went to Myra where the Apostle was, and finally to Seleucia where she died. With the consent of St. Paul she had acted as a "female Apostle" in proclaiming the Gospel. (from The Catholic Encyclopedia)

By tradition, Thecla was converted at the age of 18, being engaged at the time. Having preached Christ in various cities and suffered many things, she reposed in Seleucia of Cilicia at the age of 90.
Inspired by the divine teacher's words
thou wast inflamed with love for thy Creator.
Thou didst disdain all earthly pleasures
and endure wild beasts and fire.
O glorious Thecla, companion of Paul,
entreat thy divine Bridegroom
to grant us His great mercy

Radiant with virginity and adorned with the crown of martyrdom,
thou wast a bearer of the Faith.
Thou didst turn flames to dew and tame a wild bull by thy prayer,
O glorious Thecla, first woman martyr