Saint Cecilia

Patron Saint: Musicians and Singers

Saint Cecilia is most recognized for bringing music to the Church. Cecilia is considered one of the most respected Martyrs of the Patron Saints due to her brilliance in the fine arts and her unbendable faith in Christ, being the daughter of a pagan Roman Senator. Cecilia had her marriage arranged to a pagan noble named Valerianus. After the marriage, Valerianus wished to celebrate the marriage by accepting the Virginity of Cecilia. St Cecilia refused, stating an angel was guarding her body and wouldn't allow it. Valerianus wanted to know where this angel was. Cecilia led him to Pope Urbanus, who baptized him and showed him the way of Christ, whom he accepted. Shortly after, the Angel did show himself to the couple and they were blessed with roses.

Christians at this time were being ruthlessly persecuted by Roman authorities, and a Roman prefect went after Cecilia and ordered her to be drown in her own bath. He was unsuccessful as she did not suffocate after several minutes of being submerged. The prefect than drew his sword to decapitate her but was unable to cut her head off. He left her there in her own blood assuming she would die soon. She awoke shortly after and for 3 days shared her wealth with the poor and provided her house as dedication to the Church.

Saint Cecilia recieved her Patronage of musicians by solely using her voice and instrument to praise God. Her influence in music was and has been boundless. One such artist whom she influenced was Raphael of Bologna created the legendary masterpiece "Ecstacy of St Cecilia".