Saint Cecilia, the patroness of music who sang even while being tortured

November 22nd marks the anniversary of Santa Cecilia, a Christian virgin and martyr who is known as the patroness of music and protector of composers, musicians, singers, and poets. According to tradition, Cecilia was a musician who sang praises to God during her wedding day with Valeriano, her life partner, her faith and martyrdom.

It is said that Cecilia sang even among torture instruments with which the executioners tried to force her to renounce her faith.

The story of Saint Cecilia says that she was a young woman aristocratic family Roman who lived during the terrible persecutions against Christians in the 3rd century AD. Even though she was one Christian in secret, Cecilia was betrothed to Valeriano. Initially troubled by his devotion, Valerian converted to Christianity together with his brother Tiburzio after being won over by Cecilia's faith.

Together, the young prisoners prayed and they buried the bodies of Christian martyrs who were killed and could not be buried due to the imperial ban. Valeriano and Tiburzio were arrested, tortured and finally beheaded. Soon after, Cecilia came arrested tortured and sentenced to death. Despite her executioners' attempts to kill her, she remained alive for three days before dying. His body was later buried in the Catacombs of San Callisto, among the remains of the first bishops of Rome.

Saint Cecilia and the love of earthly and heavenly music

The connection between Santa Cecilia and music is a fundamental part of its history. It is said that the saint was an extraordinary musician. Furthermore, Cecilia is said to have experimented mystical ecstasy during his imprisonment and at other times of his life. During these ecstasies, she would feel the angels playing heavenly music.

Raphael's famous painting, Theecstasy of Saint Cecilia, represents this connection between Cecilia and God through music. In the painting, Cecilia is depicted with a portable organ in his hands while speaking with Saint Paul, Saint John, Saint Augustine and Mary Magdalene. To his feet, there are various broken and damaged musical instruments, but his eyes are turned to the sky, where an angelic choir is singing. This symbolizes the symbolic link between Cecilia and earthly and heavenly music.

His festival is celebrated every year with concerts and celebrations in his honor and his name is associated with prestigious musical institutions such asAcademy of Santa Cecilia in Rome.