Santa Cecilia, Saint of the day for 22 November

Saint of the day for November 22
(d. 230?)

The history of Santa Cecilia

Although Cecilia is one of the most famous Roman martyrs, the family stories about her are apparently not based on authentic material. There is no trace of the honor that was paid to her in the early days. A fragmentary inscription from the late 545th century refers to a church named after her, and her feast was celebrated at least in XNUMX.

According to legend, Cecilia was a young high-ranking Christian betrothed to a Roman named Valerian. Thanks to his influence, Valerian converted and was martyred along with his brother. The legend about Cecilia's death says that after being struck three times in the neck with a sword, she lived for three days and asked the pope to convert her house into a church.

Since the times of the Renaissance she has usually been portrayed with a viola or a small organ.

Reflection

Like any good Christian, Cecilia sang in her heart, and sometimes with her voice. It has become a symbol of the Church's belief that good music is an integral part of the liturgy, of greater value to the Church than any other art.