Roman virgin martyr of the early Church; patron of musicians.
Life
Saint Cecilia is one of the most widely honored virgin martyrs of Rome. Her name appears in the Roman Canon of the Mass, and an ancient church bearing her name stands in Trastevere in Rome. Yet almost no reliable historical record of her life survives.
According to stories handed down later, she had consecrated her virginity to God but was given in marriage to a young man named Valerian; she led her husband and his brother to faith, and in the end they were martyred together. Because of a tradition that during her wedding feast she sang to God in her heart, she became the patron of musicians and of church music.
The Church remembers her on November 22.
Spirituality
Cecilia's spirituality is praise of God that sings within the heart. In the tradition, even when everything around her was noisy and threatening, she sang to God deep in her heart. That praise became a witness that drew those close to her to faith.
Reflection
Thanks to our choirs and musicians, our Masses become more beautiful. At your next Mass, would you join in the hymns with your whole heart and praise God?