22/11 St CECELIA

On 22nd NOVEMBER the Church remembers SAINT CECILIA who is the patron saint of Musicians and Poets! Her existence and martyrdom are considered historical, however there is some legend regarding her life.

Cecelia lived in the 2nd Century and came from a wealthy Christian family. She wanted to totally dedicate her life to God, but was forced to marry a wealthy nobleman called Valerian. At the wedding she sat apart from the groom and sang hymns throughout the service (hence her patronage of musicians).

Apparently when it came to doing what newly weds do, Cecilia warned her husband that there was an angel of the Lord guarding her. Valerian asked to see the angel who revealed himself. As a result Valerian believed in God and converted to Christianity. Valerian was eventually martyred with Cecilia by the Roman governor.

Legend says that after her beheading, which took three strikes, her head lived on for three days, singing praise to God and asking that her house be made into a church! Behind many legends, there is often an element of truth.

We pray that the truth of this story might inspire us, and for all musicians and poets, that they would use their gifts to inspire others with the beauty of music and words.

Let us pray...

O God, who gladden us each year

with the feast day of your handmaid Saint Cecilia,

grant, we pray,

that what has been devoutly handed down concerning her

may offer us examples to imitate

and proclaim the wonders worked in his servants

by Christ your Son.

Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever. Amen.