Saint Cecilia is one of the early Roman martyrs whose memory has been venerated since early times in the Church. Originally buried at the catacombs on the Appian Way in the 2nd century, a church built in the district of Trastevere in Rome on the property believed to have been owned by Cecilia’s family now houses her relics. The relics were moved into the city in the 9th century after Cecilia’s body was found in the catacombs perfectly incorrupt. Now, a beautiful sculpture by Bernini under the church’s high altar depicts the position Cecilia’s body was found.
The Acts of the Martyrdom of Saint Cecilia records Cecilia’s love for music and poetry, hence she became the patron saint of music, oftentimes represented in art with an organ. The same document, which appeared in the middle of the fifth century, greatly elaborates on the history of Saint Cecilia, though almost none of it can be confirmed. The Catholic Encyclopedia even refers to the story as a pious romance typical of the fifth and sixth centuries.
These Acts of the Martyrdom of Saint Cecilia tell that she was born into a Christian senatorial family and was given in marriage to a noble pagan man, Valerianus. He and his brother Tiburtius became Christians soon after the marriage. The two brothers became faithful and devoted Christians, performing great works of charity. Unfortunately the brothers were condemned to death by the Roman prefect for their faith. The prefect ordered for authorities to bring Cecilia to him and she held firm to the faith. She was condemned to death by decapitation, but the executioner was not able to get the sword across her neck, leading to Cecilia bleeding to death.
Let us pray.
O God, who gladden us each year
with the feast day of your handmaid Saint Cecilia,
grant, we pray,
that what has been devoutly handed down concerning her
may offer us examples to imitate
and proclaim the wonders worked in his servants
by Christ your Son.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Saint Cecilia, pray for us!
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