Contents
- 1 Cecilia
- 2 St. Cecilia – Saints & Angels
- 3 About St. Cecilia – Patron Saint Article
- 4 More About St. Cecilia
- 5 The Patronage of St. Cecilia
- 6 St. Cecilia in Art
- 7 Prayers of St. Cecilia
- 8 The Story of St. Cecilia – St. Cecilia Catholic Community
- 9 Saint Cecilia
- 10 St Cecilia, First incorruptible Saint
- 11 Now Available!
- 12 Learning to Love God
- 13 The remarkable story of St Cecilia, the patron saint of music who’s celebrated today
- 14 When is St Cecilia day celebrated?
- 15 Help Musicians’ annual Festival of St Cecilia
- 16 St. Cecilia
- 17 Who Was Saint Cecilia?
- 18 Memorial of Saint Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr
- 19 CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: St. Cecilia
- 20 Sources
- 21 About this page
Cecilia
The feast day is on November 22nd. Pre-Congregational period was canonized. Many of the early church martyrs are the subject of myths and legends, but there is little factual material available about them. Saint Cecilia lived most likely in the second or third century AD, and according to legend, she died around the year 177 AD. Despite the fact that we do not know much about her life, Saint Cecilia was one of the most revered early virgin martyrs of Rome, as indicated by the fact that her name appears in the Roman Canon of the Mass (Roman Canon of the Mass) (Eucharistic Prayer 1).
Evidence of a church named in her honor reaching back to the late fourth century has been discovered.
Cecilia was born into a rich Roman family and grew up as a devout Christian by her parents’ example.
Cecilia made a commitment to Valerius that she would stay a virgin, and she was successful in convincing him to respect her virginity on the night of their wedding.
- These two brothers devoted their lives to burying Christian martyrs, which was against the law at the time.
- Despite the fact that it was against the law, Cecilia continued her mission of converting people to the Christian religion and burying the dead of the Christian faith.
- When she passed away, she wanted her home to be maintained as a church for future generations.
- Saint Cecilia was taken to trial and found guilty, and she was put to death.
- Saint Cecilia died while lying down on her right side with her hands crossed in prayer, according to tradition.
- Saint Cecilia was buried at the Catacomb of Saint Callistus, which is located in Rome.
- Musicians, composers, instrument manufacturers, and poets have all benefited from her patronage, which continues today.
- On the day of her wedding, Cecilia sat and sung to God from the depths of her heart.
As a result, Mary was designated as the patron saint of musicians. This narrative has spawned musical compositions, poetry, artwork, and festivals, among other things. Here are just a few examples of the numerous artistic works inspired by Saint Cecilia:
- In his “Second Nun’s Tale,” Geoffrey Chaucer pays tribute to Saint Cecilia
- Handel adapted John Dryden’s poetry “A Song for Saint Cecilia’s Day” to music in his “Ode for Saint Cecilia’s Day.”
- Charles Gounod created the Saint Cecilia Mass
- Benjamin Britten composed the “Hymn to Saint Cecilia.”
Saint Cecilia reminds us of the many ways in which our music and art may inspire us to worship the Almighty and express our gratitude. Making a connection to the book Blest Are We ®Parish and SchoolGrade 1, chapter 20
St. Cecilia – Saints & Angels
In the fourth century, a Greek holy romance based on the Loves of Cecilia and Valerian was composed in praise of virginal life with the goal of displacing the then-popular sensuous romances of the time period. As a result, unless stronger evidence is available, we must assume that St. Cecilia was not recognized or worshiped in Rome until about the time when Pope Gelasius (496) first included her name in his Sacramentary, a conclusion that is supported by the evidence. It is reported that in the fifth century, in Rome, there existed a cathedral dedicated to St.
Despite its flaws, the narrative of St.
In the city of Rome, there was once a virgin named Cecilia, who came from a very wealthy family and was given in marriage to a young man named Valerian.
During her wedding ceremony, she is claimed to have sung in her heart to God, and before the consummation of her nuptials, she informed her husband that she had sworn a vow of virginity and that she was being protected by an angel at all times.
To all our readers,
It was in the fourth century when a Greek holy romance based on the Loves of Cecilia and Valerian was composed in praise of virginal life with the intention of displacing the then-popular sensual romances on the market. We must thus assume that St. Cecilia was neither recognized or worshiped in Rome until about the time when Pope Gelasius (496) included her name in his Sacramentary, unless and until more evidence is given to the contrary. Pope Symmachus is supposed to have convened a council in 500 at a church dedicated to St.
The life of St.
In the city of Rome, there was once a virgin named Cecilia, who came from a very wealthy family and was given in marriage to a young man named Valerian.
During her wedding ceremony, she is claimed to have sung in her heart to God, and before the consummation of her nuptials, she informed her husband that she had sworn a vow of virginity and that she was being protected by an angel at the time of her nuptials.
Valerian demanded to see the angel as proof, and Cecilia assured him that he would have eyes to see after he reached the third milestone on the Via Appia (Appian Way) and had been baptized by Pope Urbanus, which he had done.
About St. Cecilia – Patron Saint Article
Saint Cecilia is Performing Musical Instruments Has there ever been a time when music has been a source of comfort for you? Regardless matter whether it was an upbeat song that got you into the zone for your exercise or a relaxing ballad that helped you relax after a stressful day, music has a way of assisting us in expressing our feelings and getting into the correct attitude for various situations and activities. Some individuals listen to music on occasion for consolation, while others listen to it on a regular basis for the pleasure of themselves and others.
- One can understand why such a potent mode of communication would be assigned to one of the most famous martyrs in Christian history.
- It is said that she, the daughter of a rich family, was betrothed to a Roman pagan called Valerian, despite the fact that she had already committed to God that she would keep her virginity, and that she had fasted and prayed for her promise to be kept.
- It was she who informed Valerian that she was engaged to an angel, who fiercely guarded her body, and advised him that he must take care not to violate her virginity while in her company.
- He was baptized by the Pope and returned to Cecilia, where an angel appeared and lavished them with flowers and lilies as a wedding gift.
- In addition, it is reported that the brothers Cecilia converted became steadfast witnesses to Christ, providing generous charity and burial those who died in Christ’s name.
- We know these details about their martyrdoms as historical fact, despite the fact that the legends that preceded them were based on tradition.
- Maximus, the officer tasked with carrying out this punishment, was also converted and martyred by the sword with the two brothers, along with the rest of the Roman army.
Just before she was taken prisoner, she built a church in her house, which she intended to use after her unavoidable martyrdom.
Despite having spent an extended period of time in the sweltering chamber, Cecilia remained unharmed, much to the frustration and consternation of her Roman captors, and the prefect dispatched an executioner to complete the mission.
The Romans abandoned her, leaving her to drown in a pool of her own blood.
Pope Urbanus interred St.
Her spirit had been transferred to God at that point.
Cecilia is the patron saint of musicians, and she is usually shown with a crown of martyrs or an organ.
She has a feast day on the 22nd of November, which is honored worldwide. By opening the doors to liturgical music, St. Cecilia has reminded us of the role that faith-filled singing has had in the lives of Christians throughout history, including the history of the church.
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More About St. Cecilia
St. Cecilia is frequently shown holding a musical instrument, and many artists may pray to her for assistance before giving a performance or giving a concert. But why is St. Cecilia known as the patroness of music in the first place? I’m curious to know what happens next in the life of this lovely and well-loved Saint. St. Cecilia was born into a rich Christian household in the second or third centuries AD. She had been promised to marry a guy named Valerian since she was a kid, despite the fact that he was a pagan.
- Cecilia had entirely given herself to God, and she had dressed in sackcloth, fasted, and prayed in the hopes of being able to keep her commitment to God of virginity by persuading Valerian to marry someone else in order to keep her virginity.
- Cecilia and Valerian were eventually married.
- Cecilia heard beautiful music in her heart, while the rest of the guests indulged in bawdy and inappropriate conduct in the surrounding area.
- Valerian requested to meet with the angel, and St.
- While many accounts exist of how Valerian came face to face with St.
- Cecilia’s vow to God, and he himself was baptized as a Christian as a result.
- Cecilia, they were both visited by an angel, who gave a celestial crown on both of their heads as a token of his love for them.
Valerian and Tibertius, both freshly baptized and enthusiastic for the Faith, determined to make it their goal to provide a dignified burial for the Christian martyrs of the period, which they accomplished.
This did not deter St.
When the deeds of the Roman prefect were exposed, she was put to death as well.
The flames blazed on for hours and hours, yet St.
The prefect then ordered St.
The executioner hit her three times in the neck with his axe, but was unable to totally decapitate or behead her.
As she lay dying, people flocked to her, and she continued to preach and convert a large number of people to God’s love.
Her remains were excavated in 1599 and were found to be completely undamaged.
Cecilia was erected on this site in Rome, and it is the most visited attraction in the city.
Many songs, poetry, and paintings were written in her honor during the Middle Ages in Europe, and the devotion to St.
In 1584, she was elected patroness of the Academy of Music in Rome, Italy, which had been created the year before.
In “The Canterbury Tales,” Chaucer makes reference to her. Even the Andrews Sisters sang a song named “The Shrine of St. Cecilia” in 1941, which was written in honor of St. Cecilia. Beautiful medals in honor of Saint Cecilia may be seen on this page.
The Patronage of St. Cecilia
St. Cecilia is frequently shown holding a musical instrument, and many musicians would pray to her for guidance before giving a concert or giving an oral recital. The question remains, though, why St. Cecilia is considered the patron saint of musicians. And what, exactly, is the remainder of the narrative behind this lovely and well-loved patron saint? In the second or third century, St. Cecilia was born into a rich Christian household and became known as the patron saint of women. She had been promised to marry a guy named Valerian, who happened to be a pagan, since she was a small kid.
- Cecilia had entirely given herself to God, and she had dressed in sackcloth, fasted, and prayed in the hopes of being able to keep her commitment to God of virginity by persuading Valerian to marry someone else in order to retain her virginity.
- Cecilia and Valerian were eventually married.
- Cecilia, heard angelic music in her heart throughout the wedding celebration while the rest of the guests participated in raucous and inappropriate behavior.
- In response to Valerian’s request to meet with the angel, St.
- While many accounts exist of how Valerian came face to face with St.
- Cecilia’s vow to God, and he himself was baptized as a Christian.
- Cecilia, they were both visited by an angel, who placed a heavenly crown on each of their respective heads.
Valentin and Tibertius were newly baptized Christians who, inspired by St.
This resulted in both of them being executed by the Roman prefect.
Cecilia continued to share her faith with everyone she encountered, hoping to convert as many people as possible.
To bring about her death, the plan included for shutting her up in the bathhouse and igniting flames around her until she died.
Cecilia had survived a full day and night in the midst of the flames, even though the fires had raged for hours on end.
Cecilia was beheaded as a result of the order issued by the prefect.
During that time, she was severely injured.
She succumbed to her injuries on the third day of her illness.
The church of St.
Over the location where her body was recovered, there is a statue showing a lady laying on the ground, her head turned away, and a mark on her neck from where she was struck with the axe, which may be seen in this church.
When the Academy of Music in Rome was created in 1584, she was designated patroness of the institution.
“The Canterbury Tales” has a reference to her. ‘The Shrine of St. Cecilia,’ a song written by the Andrews Sisters, was performed in 1941. Beautiful medals in honor of Saint Cecilia may be seen in this section of the website.
St. Cecilia in Art
A musical instrument – most typically an organ – is generally represented beside St. Cecilia in artwork, as this is the instrument that has historically been connected with liturgical music. There have been several depictions of her playing a broad array of instruments, with the lute and harp being two of the more regularly seen among them. Clothing indicative to the time period in which she lived (length, flowing robes with the occasional veil or hat) is worn by her. A few times, she is represented with flowers, which represent purity, and with an image of the angel that was sent to protect her when she made her vow of virginity to God.
Prayers of St. Cecilia
Allow Saint Cecilia to be your prayer companion while you repeat the prayers below, or as part of your rosary devotion, as you say the prayers below. Here is where you may find Saint Cecilia Rosary Beads.
Litany of St. Cecilia
While saying the prayers below, or as part of your rosary devotion, allow Saint Cecilia to be your prayer partner in the process. Sacred Heart of Mary Rosary Beads are available for purchase on this page.
Prayer to St. Cecilia
I admire the courage with which you expressed your religion in the face of tremendous persecution, as well as the generous love with which you dedicated your life as a testament to your conviction in the Blessed Trinity. I join you in thanking God for the magnificent gifts He had bestowed upon you, which enabled you to live a pure and acceptable life even in the midst of the wealth that you had accumulated. I express my gratitude to Him for the honor of obtaining the wonderful crown of martyrdom, which He has extended to you.
Teach us to confess our faith bravely and to be prepared to sacrifice ourselves in order to put our faith into action, so that our good example may draw others closer to Christ and the Church He created in these days of pleasure seeking and lack of faith.
The Hail Mary is sung.
Please pray for us on behalf of St.
Prayer to St. Cecilia
As I contemplate St. Cecilia, lovely Virgin and Martyr of Jesus Christ, I am inspired by the courage with which you expressed your faith in the face of harsh persecution, as well as the generous love with which you gave your life as a testament to your conviction in the Blessed Trinity. As I praise God with you for the tremendous graces He has bestowed upon you in order to live a holy and acceptable life even in the middle of the wealth you possessed, I also express my gratitude to you for your generosity.
Saint Cecilia, I also like the purity of love that united you to the Savior, which was bigger in your eyes than any human emotion, to the point that you announced yourself before the adversaries of the Church, “I am the bride of my Lord Jesus Christ,” which I think is beautiful.
Teach us to confess our faith bravely and to be prepared to sacrifice ourselves in order to put our faith into action, so that our good example may draw others closer to Christ and the Church He created in these days of pleasure seeking and lack of trust in the world.
The following prayer is said in appreciation to God for the gifts given to St Cecilia: Our Father in Heaven. Our Lady of Fatima All honor and glory to the Lord! Please pray for us on behalf of St. Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr of Jesus Christ. Amen.
The Story of St. Cecilia – St. Cecilia Catholic Community
There was a virgin named Cecilia living in the city of Rome, and she had been given in marriage to a young man named Valerian. She fasted and summoned the saints, angels, and virgins, pleading with them to protect her virginity. She wore sackcloth close to her skin and prayed to them. Afterward, she told her husband, “I will tell you a secret if you promise me that you will not share it with anyone.” Following his swearing, she said that “there is an angel who watches over me, and she keeps anybody who would want to touch me away from me.” “Dearest, if this is real, please show me the angel,” he demanded.
After he was baptized by Pope S.
Tibertius, Valerian’s brother, came in shortly after and exclaimed at the aroma and beauty of the flowers, which he had never seen before at that time of year.
Saint Cecilia
The Life of Saint Cecilia Despite the fact that Cecilia is one of the most well-known of the Roman martyrs, it appears that the popular myths about her are not based on historical evidence. There is no evidence that she was ever accorded any sort of accolade in the past. At least as early as 545, an inscription from the late fourth century mentions a church dedicated to Mary, and her feast day was held at least once in her honor. A young Christian woman of great social standing, Cecilia was engaged to a Roman called Valerian, according to mythology.
According to the mythology surrounding Cecilia’s death, she survived three days after being hit three times in the neck with a sword and then requested that the Pope transform her home into a cathedral.
Reflection Cecilia sung in her heart, as every good Christian should, and she also sang with her voice at times.
Click here to meet seven unknown Catholic saints!
During her lifetime in the Roman Empire, Saint Cecilia lived in the third century A.D. She was born into an aristocratic family in the Italian capital of Rome. Even though she had promised herself to remain virgin, her parents married her off to a young pagan nobleman called Valerian against her pledge of virginity. In reaction to this, she donned sackcloth and fasted for many days. She also summoned the saints and angels, pleading with them to keep her virginity a secret from the world. Before the marriage could be consummated, Saint Cecilia informed Valerian of her vow of virginity and the fact that she was protected by an angel at all times.
- When Valerian inquired about seeing this angel, Saint Cecilia informed him that he would first need to go to the third milestone on the Appian Way and be baptized by Pope Urbanus before seeing the angel.
- Both brothers devoted their life to ensuring that the saints who had been persecuted and executed by the prefect of their city, Turcius Almachius, were properly burying them.
- When he demanded that they offer a sacrifice to the pagan gods, they refused and were put to death as a result of their defiance.
- Saint Cecilia was hit three times by the executioner, yet he was unable to remove her head from her body.
- While she was in her final three days of life, Saint Cecilia continued to preach and give her prayers to the throngs of people who had gathered in her vicinity.
- The Catacombs of St.
- Her remains were then moved to the Church of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere, where they remain today.
When her remains was unearthed by church officials in 1599, they discovered that she was not corrupt.
A number of songs, poems, and works of art have been written in her honor.
The first one took place in 1570 in the Normandy town of Évreux, and her feast day is well-known as a venue for concerts and music festivals across the world.
A few examples are the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome, which is one of the oldest musical organizations in the world and is named for her.
St.
It is the Sisters of Saint Cecilia, a group of religious sisters that shear wool for the palliums worn by newly appointed metropolitan archbishops.
Every year on June 29, on the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, the Pope confers the pallia on the newly appointed metropolitan archbishops. Has Saint Cecilia had an influence on your life? Tell us about it. Tell us how you did it!
St Cecilia, First incorruptible Saint
Saint Cecilia (177 A.D.) is an unknown saint. The feast day is on November 22nd. St Cecilia, patroness of musicians, is believed to be the first saint whose body was affected by the phenomena of incorruption, according to historical records. Although the exact year of St Cecilia’s birth is uncertain, it is thought that she died about the year 177 A.D. Cecila belonged to a wealthy and illustrious Roman family, and her parents agreed to marry her to a young nobleman called Valerian despite the fact that she had expressed her desire to remain a virgin.
- In subsequent years, Valerian and his brother Tiburtius, who had also been converted by St Cecilia, were called upon to forsake their faith by the early Christian persecutors.
- Cecilia was caught for burying their remains and was offered the option of offering to the pagan gods or being put to death as a result of her crime.
- Because of her nobility and youth, her captors planned to kill St Cecilia in secrecy in order to prevent the predicted condemnation from the general public.
- St Cecilia remained in that suffocating atmosphere for the entire day and night, yet she was uninjured throughout.
- However, he failed to sever her head with the three strikes required by law owing to a lack of bravery in the face of killing such a young and lovely woman.
- She was resting on her right side, with her hands crossed in front of her as if she were praying.
- Her final quiet statement of faith in the Holy Trinity was represented by the position of her fingers, which were three extended on her right hand and one on her left.
It was at her feet that the linen cloths and veils were laid out, which were used to collect her blood.
Callistus, where she had been buried.
His vision of the Saint occurred when he was praying, and she revealed the location of her body to him in a miraculous vision.
Later, the Pope ordered that her body be laid to rest beneath the altar of the cathedral, among the remains of her husband, her brother-in-law, and martyr Maximum.
A pair of white marble sarcophagi were discovered under and near the high altar on October 20, that same year, during the course of work being done under and near the high altar.
The Cardinal ordered the sarcophagi to be opened in the presence of witnesses who were unquestionably trustworthy in their testimony.
With natural emotion, the Cardinal lifted the lid of the coffin, revealing the wealth that had been consigned to the grave by Popes Urban and Pascal.
The gold embroidered garment of the Saint, the lethal wound in the neck, and the blood-stained clothing could all be seen through a silk veil that was discreetly draped over the corpse.
He instead dispatched Cardinal Baronius, who, along with Antonio Bosio, the explorer of subterranean Rome, left us priceless descriptive documents relating to the events of this exhumation.
Stefano Maderno, a sculptor of extraordinary abilities, who it appears was engaged in the practice of his profession during the restoration of the Basilica, created a statue of the Saint, which is regarded as one of the most celebrated and best-known works of art in Italy, and is believed to depict the Saint in the exact posture of her body.
- Consequently, Maderno presented a new altar design that was widely emulated after he died.
- Cecilia’s family residence is considered to have been the location of the Basilica of St.
- In the Caldarium, the second chapel on the right aisle, St.
- The ruins of an old Roman bathhouse have been discovered here; the conduits that formerly carried the water that was heated in the lower room have been preserved.
TAN novels, such as The Incorruptibles To return to the Incorruptible Saints page, click here. To return to the Saints Page, click here. Return to the Saints of the Roman Catholic Church page.
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The remarkable story of St Cecilia, the patron saint of music who’s celebrated today
11:28 am, November 17, 2020 | Updated: 9:14 a.m. on November 22, 2021 Artwork of St Cecilia Playing the Organ, painted by Jacques Stella and displayed at the Musée du Louvre in Paris. Photograph courtesy of Getty Images Cecilia, a Roman noblewoman who lived in the third century, was executed for her religious convictions. She is still revered as the patron saint of music in our own times. St. Cecilia is the patron saint of musicians and the performing arts. According to legend, the 3rd-century Roman noblewoman Cecilia made a pledge to an angel of God, and when she was forced to marry against her choice, her husband agreed to honor her request only if he personally saw the angel.
- Following this, he was confronted with a vision of Cecilia conversing with an angel.
- Cecilia would endure additional sufferings before she was herself killed — she gave away her possessions to the poor, which enraged the powers-that-be to the point that she was executed by burning at the stake.
- As a result, they decided to behead her.
- Her last burial site is the Santa Cecilia in Trastevere church in Rome, which dates back to the 5th century.
When is St Cecilia day celebrated?
St Cecilia Day is celebrated on November 22nd, and musical festivals honoring the patron saint of music are held all around the world around that date.
The first mention of a music festival in her honor occurred in Normandy in 1570, according to historical records. There have been many works created in St Cecilia’s honor by composers such as Purcell and Britten, who was born on St Cecilia Day, which is a suitable coincidence.
Help Musicians’ annual Festival of St Cecilia
Musicians’ charitable organization Help Artists organizes an annual celebration of St Cecilia, which is normally held at Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, or Westminster Cathedral, and which involves the great choirs of the three cathedrals, as well as other brilliant musicians and special guests. In the face of the coronavirus epidemic in 2020, the celebrations went forward — but only on the internet. In addition, the organization collaborated with the Cathedral Music Trust, which supports cathedrals and choral music in the United Kingdom and worldwide, to provide great and emotional performances and messages during a time when the classical music world has been put to the test.
- It was broadcast live on Help Musicians’ website, here, at 11 a.m.
- During this extremely tough time for artists, viewers and music enthusiasts are asked to make donations to the charity.
- As a result, Help Musicians and The Cathedral Music Trust will benefit from the proceeds of this concert, which will raise much-needed cash.” The Festival of St Cecilia 2020, presented by the Cathedral Music Trust and the Help Musicians Association, will begin streaming at 11 a.m.
- Visit to learn more, to watch, and to give.
St. Cecilia
A benefit concert for musicians Aid to Artists organizes an annual celebration of St Cecilia, which is normally held at Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, or Westminster Cathedral, and which involves the great choirs of the three cathedrals, as well as other brilliant musicians and guest performers. In the face of the coronavirus epidemic in 2020, the celebration was held electronically instead of in person. A collaboration with Cathedral Music Trust, which supports cathedrals and choral music in the United Kingdom and worldwide, allowed the charity to provide great and profound performances and messages during a time when the classical music world has been tested.
The commemorative performance was broadcast live on Help Musicians’ website, here, at 11 a.m.
During this extremely tough period for artists, viewers and music enthusiasts are asked to make donations to the charity.
Musicians are facing one of the most challenging years they have ever had, with tens of thousands of them needing financial assistance.
on Wednesday, November 18, the Festival of St Cecilia 2020 streamed live by the Cathedral Music Trust and the Help Musicians. Visit to learn more, see videos, and make a financial contribution.
Who Was Saint Cecilia?
Palm Springs, California 92262555 North Commercial Road1Palm Springs, California 92262760-778-8950 Each and every Sunday: Sung Mass is at 10:30 a.m., and spoken Mass is at 5:00 p.m. St. Cecilia was born into a noble Roman family at the time of the Roman Empire in the 3rd century and lived throughout that time period. Despite the fact that she had dedicated her virginity to Christ, her parents decided to marry her off regardless. As a result, she was able to convert her husband to the Christian faith, and he in turn honored her virginity and persuaded his brother to the faith.
- On her wedding night, she made her vows known to him and informed him that an angel was watching over her to ensure that she remained pure.
- First, Cecilia advised him to get baptized, and after that he had the opportunity to witness her angel.
- Despite the fact that it was against the law, her husband and his brother took on the work of burying slaughtered Christians, which culminated in their own deaths.
- Cecilia responded by burying her spouse and, by her Christian witness and faith strength, converting hundreds of others to the Christian religion.
- According to tradition, St.
- They attempted to suffocate her at first, but she was unaffected by the technique.
- Instead, she bled to death for three days while continuing to preach, and her blood was gathered as relics by fellow Christians in sponges and napkins, which were later burned.
While facing persecution and adversity, Saint Cecilia’s life is characterized by courage, evangelizing, and a deep love for the Almighty.
Cecilia was singing in her heart a hymn of love for Jesus, her true husband, while the profane music of her wedding was being played.
On religious art, sculptures, rosaries, and medals, St.
The gifts of St.
Cecilia for those musicians who are offering their abilities to God.
Memorial of Saint Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr
The 22nd of November is Memorial Day. Red is the liturgical color used to commemorate the Patron Saint of Music and Musicians. The unexplained death of a young female martyr captures the public’s attention. The First Eucharistic Prayer, often known as the Roman Canon, is primarily a liturgical text that is used during the celebration of the Eucharist. However, like with so many other aspects of liturgy, it also has significant historical significance. Only a small proportion of the ancient world’s written records have survived to this day.
- When papers are lost or destroyed, historians must rely on fragments of pottery and marble, as well as the debris of waterlogged shipwrecks, to piece together a mosaic of what once was.
- Even in the Church’s legislation, catechisms, calendar, festivals, structures, hierarchy, and most importantly in its liturgy, the past is never truly absent from the present.
- The cloud represents the faithful.
- Cecilia is one of the martyrs whose names are mentioned in the Roman Canon, and she is the patron saint of today.
- She was still alive.
- She was remembered by many people.
- That rationale has long since been forgotten.
- It’s possible, though, that the homily was reduced to cinders and slowly floated away when the huge library of the Monastery of Cluny was destroyed during the French religious battles of the 1500s.
- However, it is possible that the inscription was torn from the wall by a barbarian plunderer who subsequently used it as a robust doorway for his home in Aachen after stealing it.
The Roman Canon, on the other hand, has not been destroyed, and it includes numerous noteworthy virgin martyrs from the first few decades, like “.Agatha, Lucy, Agnes, Cecilia, Anastasia.” Their names have been stored like flies in amber, and millions of people across the world will hear them every week in hundreds of different languages until the end of time.
- Afterwards, she was laid to rest in an aloculus in the Catacombs of Saint Callixtus, near the papal vault.
- Cecilia’s body was discovered in 1599 as repair work was being done on the Basilica.
- An artist took meticulous notes on what he observed before contact with the atmosphere caused her frail, paper-mache-like skin to crumble and dissolve completely.
- As for the stone itself, it appears to be in repose.
- Cecilia’s purity is reflected in the purity of the marble.
- Cecilia’s fingers appear to form a mysterious Christian sign of the Trinity—Three in One—when viewed from a certain angle.
An embedded personal testimonial of the sculptor may be found alongside his work: “Behold the body of the Most Holy Virgin, Cecilia, whom I personally witnessed lying uncorrupt in her grave.” For thee, I have portrayed the same saint in exactly the same stance and form as I did in my marble sculpture.” Despite the fact that we do not know the entire narrative of our saint, we are convinced of her conclusion: a gracious act of self-gift to Christ.
Saint Cecilia, you died at a young age, keeping your virginity and putting your faith in Christ before all else.
Serve as a role model for every youngsters in terms of the ultimate objective of their lives. Encourage them to seek God first, and then the good and holy joys of life, and only after they have found Him. Today is All Saints Day.
CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: St. Cecilia
Please consider making a donation to New Advent in order to receive the complete contents of this website as an immediate download. A single purchase of $19.99 provides access to the Catholic Encyclopedia, Church Fathers, Summa Theologica, Bible, and other resources. She died in Rome, where she was a virgin and martyr and patroness of church music. This saint, who has been celebrated in the great arts and poetry for centuries, is one of the most honored martyrs of Christian antiquity. The first historical record of St.
In the above-mentioned Martyrology, her name appears on several different dates; its appearance on August 11, the Feast of the MartyrTiburtius, is most likely a later and erroneous addition, due to the fact that this Tiburtius, who was buried on the Via Labicana, was mistakenly identified with Tiburtius, the brother-in-law of St.
- It is just Cecilia who is recorded under the date of September 16, with the geographical note: “Appia viâ in eâdem urbe Româ natale et passio sancta Cecilia virginis” (Appia viâ in the city of Rome’s birth and death) (the text is to be thus corrected).
- The feast of the saint stated on the date of 22 November, on which it is still observed, was held in the church dedicated to her in the Trastevere neighborhood of Rome.
- When looking for the burial sites of Roman martyrs, the earlymedievalguidebooks (Itineraria) point to her grave on the Via Appia, adjacent to the tombs of the Romanbishops from the third century (De Rossi, Roma sotterranea, I, 180-181).
- There are two depictions of a richly-dressed woman in the later-period paintings that grace the walls of these chapels, and one of Pope Urban, who was brought personally into intimate relationship with the saint by the Acts of her martyrdom, appears in the frescos of a later period as well.
- According to the signatures of the Roman Council of 499, this church was undoubtedly consecrated in the fifth century to St.
- VIII, 236).
- Construction of Callistus began, and it was most likely owned by the family of St.
Despite the fact that her name is not included in the earliest (fourth century) list of feasts (Depositio martyrum), the fact that no fewer than five different masses in honor of St.
During the middle of the fifth century, the Acts of the Martyrdom of St.
Those prefaces appeared in the preceding masses of the “Sacramentarium Leonianum,” where they were incorporated into the text.
When the pair returned to the wedding-chamber after the ceremony, Cecilia informed Valerianus that she had been betrothed to an angel who zealously guarded her body, and that as a result, Valerianus must take care not to violate her virginity.
As a result, Valerianusobeyed, was baptized by the Pope, and returned to Cecilia as a Christian, at which point an angel appeared to them and crowned them with flowers and lilies.
Both brothers were devoted children of the Faith, and they dispensed charity and buried the remains of the confessors who had died in the sake of Christ.
Cecilia arranged for their reinterment in a single grave.
In the days before she was taken into custody, she made arrangements for her home to be preserved as a place of worship for the Roman Catholic Church.
However, when she stayed unharmed in the warm chamber, the prefect ordered that she be beheaded there.
She survived for three days and left bequests in the interests of the needy, as well as a provision that her residence should be dedicated as a church following her death.
in theCatacombof Callistus.
The presence of the aforementioned martyrs, on the other hand, is a historical fact, as is the relationship between St.
On the Via Appia, these three saints were buried at the Catacomb of Praetextatus, where their graves are listed in the old pilgrimItineraria, which may be found here.
Cecilia was buried there.
Cecilia before the Acts were published.
There is no way to determine the date of composition of the Acts based on the mention of Urbanus; the author, acting without authority, simply introduced the confessor of this name (buried in theCatacombof Praetextatus) because his tomb was close to the tombs of the other martyrs and identified him with the pope of the same name, without any further explanation or evidence.
There is no further evidence of the period of their martyrdom in the Acts.
According to various Western accounts from the early Middle Ages as well as the Greek “Synaxaria,” Diocletian’s persecution was the cause of this martyrdom.
Kirsch attempted to locate it during the reign of Alexander Severus(229-230); Aubé attempted to locate it during the reign of Decius(249-250); and Kelner attempted to locate it during the reign of Julian the Apostate(249-250) (362).
The only certain chronological clue is the location of the tomb in theCatacombof Callistus, which is in close proximity to the extremely ancientcryptof the popes, in which Urbanus was very certainly buried, and in which Pontianus and Anterus were almost certainly interred.
Cecilia.
His vision revealed St.
It was only after this that he continued his search, and it wasn’t long until the body of themartyr, clothed in expensive stuffs of gold brocade and with the cloths saturated with her blood at her feet, was discovered in theCatacombof Prtextatus.
The relics of St.
Cecilia at Trastevere, where they were discovered.
From that point on, the adoration of theholymartyr grew in popularity, and a large number of churches were built in her memory.
Recent excavations under the church, carried out at the behest and expense of Cardinal Rampolla, revealed the remnants of Roman structures, which have remained open to the public for the time being.
The remains of the bath in which, according to the Acts, Cecilia was put to death have long been displayed in a side chapel of the church.The earliest representations of St.
Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna) or in the posture of prayer (as in an Orans mosaic at S (e.g.
There still exists in the apse of her church in Trastevere the mosaic that was created under Pope Paschal, in which she is depicted as the patroness of the pope and dressed in luxurious garments.
Consequently, when the Academy of Music was established atRome(1584), she was designated as patroness of the academy, and her worship as patroness of church music in general grew even more widespread; nowadays, Ceciliansocieties(musical organizations) can be found all over the world.
Carlo Maderna’s marble statue behind the high altar of the above-mentioned church of St.
Her feast day is observed on November 22nd in both the Latin and Greek churches.
Other Martyrs of the Name Hieronymainum are memorialized in the “Martyrologium Hieronymainum,” but no precise historical information is available about any of them. At 304, one of them endured martyrdom in Carthage with Dativus.
Sources
BOLLANDISTS ed., Bibliotheca hagiographica latina (Brussels, 1898-99), I, 224; SIMEON METAPHRASTES, in P.G., CXVI; BARONIUS ed., Synaxarium Constatinopolitanum (Brussels, 1902); SURIUS ed., De vitis Sanctorum (Venice, 1581), VI, 161 sq (Rome, Sept.-Oct. 1907). See also BUTLER’s Lives of the Saints, which was published on November 22nd.
About this page
MOMBRITIUS, Sanctuarium, I, 186 sqq. ; BOSIO, Atti di S. Cecilia (Rome, 1600); SURIUS, De vitis Sanctorum (Venice, 1581), VI, 161 sqq. ; LADERCHI, S. Caciliae virg. et mart. acta ac transtiberina basilica (Rome, 1722); BOLLANDIST (Rome, Sept.-Oct. 1907). The narratives in BUTLER’S Lives of the Saints, published on November 22nd, are also worth reading.