The Life and Martyrdom of St. Cecilia

Saturday, November 22nd Readings Reflection: Memorial of Saint Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr

Today is the Feast of St. Cecilia, virgin and martyr. Born in Rome in the latter half of the second century AD, St. Cecilia vowed her virginity to God. However, she was forced to marry a pagan named Valerian. At their wedding, Cecilia sang to God in her heart, and for this reason, she is now venerated as the patron saint of musicians.

Before their marriage was consummated, Cecilia told Valerian that an angel was guarding her virginity. Valerian asked to see the angel, which she said would happen after his Baptism; sure enough, after Valerian converted, he could see the angel. Valerian’s brother soon converted as well, and the two brothers devoted themselves to burying the Christian martyrs who were being killed by the Roman emperor, Turcius Almachius. The holy men were eventually arrested and put to death for their faith.

St. Cecilia boldly and courageously continued to spread the faith. She is credited for having converted over four hundred people in her life. She was eventually arrested herself and sentenced to death by suffocation in the baths. However, she remained unbothered by the heat after being confined there for one day and night. The emperor then ordered her to be decapitated. The executioner struck her neck three times but was unable to sever her head. She died after three days in this state, during which time she continued to preach and pray.

St. Cecilia is buried in the Basilica of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere, Rome, which is built over the site traditionally believed to be her house. She is buried beneath the high altar, where a marble statue depicts the virgin martyr lying on her side with her face toward the ground. Lacerations are seen on her neck. According to reports from the time, this is the way she was found lying when she was exhumed in 1599. At that time, she was also found to be incorrupt, becoming the Church’s first incorruptible. Her body was surrounded with the odor of sanctity, despite her having been dead for hundreds of years.

The Alleluia verse for today’s feast is fitting for the life and death of St. Cecilia: “Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death and brought life to light through the Gospel.” St. Cecilia, her chaste husband, and her brother-in-law all witnessed to the truth of the Gospel through their lives and courageous deaths. They knew that their true home is Heaven, and they were not afraid to give up their earthly lives to witness to the Truth. May St. Cecilia and her holy relatives pray for us, that we too may courageously hold fast to the faith of our fathers, the same faith for which so many martyrs have shed their blood rather than renounce.

St. Cecilia, ora pro nobis!

Painting of St. Cecilia. She is usually depicted in sacred art with an organ, referring to the music she heard in her heart at her wedding. The palm recalls her martyrdom. Photo by Claudia LaFortune and used with permission.