St. Cecilia

Cecilia is one of the most venerated of early Roman martyrs, and her house was converted into a church, but precise historical facts about her are not known. She may have been killed as early as 177 or she may have suffered later, under the persecution of Diocletian. The earliest story of her martyrdom relates that she was compelled by her parents to marry the pagan Valerianus, whom she then converted. The couple lived a celibate life, full of good deeds and Valerianus’ brother Tiburtius was converted by their example. The brothers’ conversion did not go unnoticed for they were of a wealthy, noble family. Soon the authorities executed them for their faith and arrested Cecilia as well. She was sentenced to be suffocated in the baths of her home, but when this failed, an executioner clumsily tried to behead her. Wounded, she survived three days. St. Cecilia is venerated as the patroness of musicians, because the early accounts say that “she sang in her heart to God only” as her marriage was being celebrated. Her feast day is November 22.