St. Cecilia, virgin and martyr, is the patroness of music. Legend has it that while she was being wed, she heard beautiful music coming from heaven. For this reason, she is usually depicted sitting at an organ or holding organ pipes in her hand. Her feast day is celebrated on November 22nd.
She had been promised in marriage by her parents to a noble pagan named Valerian. After the celebration of the marriage, while in their bedchamber, she told Valerian that her virginity was protected by an angel. When Valerian asked to see the angel, she said that the only way this was possible was if he believed in God and was baptized. So she sent him to Pope S. Urban, who baptized him. Upon his return as a Christian, Valerian found her praying with an angel standing next to her. The angel then crowned the couple with lilies and roses.
During the time that Cecelia lived in Rome, it was dangerous to be a Christian, and many Christians were arrested and martyred for their actions. After converting four hundred people to Christianity, she was also arrested and condemned to death. During her death, which took place over three days, she was singing songs of praise to God, and never once did she deny her faith. Because of her strong conviction to follow our Lord even unto death, St. Cecelia is a true model of faith for Catholics today.
