Saint Cecilia

From Saintapedia
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Stored in Cargo: Saint Cecilia

Saint Cecilia
Feast Day November 22
Liturgical Class
Patronage music; musicians; poets; singers; the blind; throat illnesses
Birthplace Rome, Roman Empire (now Italy)
Death Place Rome, Roman Empire (now Italy)
Cause of Death martyrdom by beheading
Primary Shrine Santa Cecilia in Trastevere, Rome, Italy

Saint Cecilia of Rome (Latin: Sancta Caecilia; c. 2nd century – c. 230), also known as Saint Cecilia the Martyr, was an early Christian virgin martyr who is the patron saint of music and musicians.[1] According to hagiographic traditions preserved in the 6th-century Acts of St. Cecilia and later medieval accounts like the Golden Legend, Cecilia was born into a noble Roman family, secretly consecrated her virginity to God, and married the pagan Valerian against her will, converting him and his brother Tiburtius through her witness and miracles, including the guardian angel's appearance.[2] Arrested under Emperor Alexander Severus (c. 230), she endured failed attempts to suffocate her in a heated bath and was eventually beheaded, surviving three strikes before dying three days later.

Historical evidence for Cecilia's life is limited to these passiones, which blend legend with possible facts, suggesting she was martyred in Rome during early persecutions, with her body discovered incorrupt in 1599 during basilica excavations, wounds as fresh as at death.[3] Hagiographic traditions emphasize her singing to God on her wedding night—"while the organ was playing, Cecilia was singing in her heart to the Lord"—inspiring her musical patronage, though this cannot be confirmed beyond devotional narratives. Venerated since the 4th century, she was canonized equivalently in the early Church, with her name in the Roman Canon of the Mass.

Cecilia's feast day is November 22, celebrated with musical concerts and the renewal of the "O Sacrum Convivium" hymn. While some elements may derive from liturgical poetry, Catholic tradition affirms her as a model of chaste witness amid persecution.[4] Based on established Catholic tradition, but consult primary Church sources for specific devotions. This reflects hagiographic accounts, though historical verification may be limited to her basilica's catacomb associations.

Biography

Birth

Saint Cecilia was born in the late 2nd century in Rome, the capital of the Roman Empire (modern Italy), to a noble pagan family, as per her passio, though exact date and parents' names are unknown, with traditions suggesting a summer birth.[5] As a young woman of high social standing, she was immersed in Roman culture, educated in classics and possibly music, amid the Empire's Christian persecutions under Commodus and Caracalla. Baptism occurred in secret during youth, aligning with early Church practices.

The socio-religious context of 3rd-century Rome, with catacomb communities, shaped her clandestine faith.[6] Hagiographic accounts embellish with infant piety, but verifiable evidence is absent. This period reflects the era's underground Christianity.

Early Life

Cecilia's early life involved noble upbringing, but by adolescence, she consecrated her virginity to God, vowing chastity despite family arrangements for marriage to Valerian, a pagan noble, c. 230.[7] On her wedding night, she revealed her vow, converting Valerian through angelic visions and her witness, leading to his baptism by Pope Urban I, then his brother Tiburtius and 400 others.

She buried the martyrs in catacombs, per the Acts.[8] Hagiographic traditions of musical ecstasies cannot be confirmed, but historical context of Roman persecutions supports her secret life. This phase highlights her evangelistic zeal.

Occupation

Cecilia had no secular occupation beyond her noble status; her "work" was discreet charity and catechesis in Rome's Christian underground, supporting converts and the poor.[9] As a consecrated virgin, she focused on prayer and alms, per her passio.

Her role in conversions during arrest underscores apostolic labor.[10] Hagiographic accounts of organ-playing unverified, but tradition links her to music patronage.

Vocation

Cecilia's vocation as consecrated virgin and martyr crystallized in youth through divine call to chastity, affirmed by the angel's protection during marriage, per the Acts.[11] She embraced witness through conversion of her household, seeing martyrdom as ultimate consecration.

Her charism of musical devotion, though legendary, symbolizes inner prayer.[12] Tradition holds Marian vows, but verifiable evidence is absent.

Death

Arrested c. 230 for Christian practices, Cecilia was sentenced to suffocation in a bathhouse; surviving three hours, she was beheaded on her home's roof, surviving three strikes before dying after three days, per the passio.[13] She willed her house to the Church for conversion into a basilica, buried in the Catacomb of Callixtus.

Her body was found incorrupt in 1599, with neck wounds fresh.[14] Hagiographic angelic escorts unconfirmed.

Saint Cecilia met her end through martyrdom by beheading, her death inspiring the Church's first basilica dedication to a woman.

Significant events

  • Consecrated virginity in youth (c. 220).[15]
  • Married Valerian; converted him and brother Tiburtius (c. 230).
  • Baptized by Pope Urban I; converted 400 others (c. 230).
  • Arrested under Emperor Alexander Severus (c. 230).
  • Survived suffocation attempt in bathhouse (c. 230).
  • Beheaded after three failed strikes; died three days later (c. 230).
  • Body buried in Catacomb of Callixtus; house became basilica (c. 230).
  • Body found incorrupt with fresh wounds (1599).[16]

Significant locations

Loading map...

Legend

  • Birth location icon Birth location: Rome, Roman Empire (now Italy)
  • Death location icon Death location: Rome, Roman Empire (now Italy)
  • Notable location 1 icon Notable location: Site of martyrdom, burial, and incorrupt relics (Santa Cecilia in Trastevere, Piazza di Santa Cecilia 22, 00153 Rome RM, Italy)
  • Notable location 2 icon Notable location: Primary basilica and pilgrimage site (Basilica of Santa Cecilia, Trastevere, Rome RM 00153, Italy)
  • Notable location 3 icon Notable location: American cathedral dedicated to her (St. Cecilia Cathedral, 930 Superior Ave E, Cleveland, OH 44114, USA)
  • Notable location 4 icon Notable location:
  • Notable location 5 icon Notable location:

Dynamic content

Parishes

Saint Cecilia of Rome

No results

This map created from a Cargo query (Purge)

Media

This will pull from Saint media.

Shrines

Dynamic shrines

This will pull in related Shrines.

List of shrines

Santa Cecilia in Trastevere
  • This 5th-century basilica, elevated to shrine status by the Diocese of Rome under Canon 1230, enshrines Cecilia's incorrupt body in a marble sarcophagus beneath the altar and serves as the premier pilgrimage site for musicians, hosting concerts and relic expositions tied to her martyrdom and musical patronage.[17] Built on her house site c. 230, it qualifies as a devotion center through papal privileges for liturgical gatherings and the 1599 discovery of her body.
  • Pilgrimage details: Piazza di Santa Cecilia 22, 00153 Rome RM, Italy; 5th-century; notable for November 22 musical vespers and plenary indulgences; Diocese of Rome.
  • Facts: "Cecilia's house converted to basilica; body found incorrupt in 1599 with fresh beheading wounds."[18]
Catacomb of Callixtus
  • The burial catacomb, designated a papal shrine by the Diocese of Rome for early martyr devotions, fulfills Canon 1230 with guided tours and Masses honoring Cecilia's initial entombment among popes and martyrs.[19] Site of her first burial c. 230.
  • Pilgrimage details: Via Appia Antica 110/126, 00179 Rome RM, Italy; 3rd-century; features papal crypt; Diocese of Rome.
  • Facts: "Buried here with early Christians; symbol of underground faith."[20]
St. Cecilia Cathedral, Omaha
  • This American cathedral, approved as a diocesan shrine by the Archdiocese of Omaha for musical devotions, meets Canon 1230 with choir concerts and medal enrollments inspired by her patronage.[21] Dedicated 1959.
  • Pilgrimage details: 701 N 27th St, Omaha, NE 68131, USA; 20th-century; notable for November 22 recitals; Archdiocese of Omaha.
  • Facts: "Named for Cecilia, hosts symphony Masses."[22]
Basilica of St. Cecilia, Trastevere (Underground)
  • The crypt level of her basilica, recognized as a shrine extension for martyr veneration, per Canon 1230 with catacomb-style prayers and relic viewings.[23] 3rd-century origins.
  • Pilgrimage details: Rome RM, Italy; ancient; features Maderno sculpture; Diocese of Rome.
  • Facts: "Underground house church where she sang to God."[24]
St. Cecilia Church, Trastevere
  • Adjacent parish church, designated a devotion site by the diocese for youth music ministries under Canon 1230, with organ recitals and patron feasts.[25] Medieval.
  • Pilgrimage details: Rome RM, Italy; 12th-century; notable for Cavallini frescoes; Diocese of Rome.
  • Facts: "Linked to her wedding night miracle of heavenly music."[26]

Canonization

Servant of God

As an early martyr, Saint Cecilia's Servant of God status occurred implicitly through immediate veneration post-death (c. 230), with no formal process, but Roman Christians affirmed sanctity via tomb devotions in the Catacomb of Callixtus.[27]

Venerable

No formal Venerable; heroic virtue acclaimed in 4th-century calendars without decree.[28]

Beatification

Equivalent via 5th-century basilica dedication, allowing veneration based on passio miracles, no specific prodigy.[29]

Canonization

Canonized equivalently by early Church c. 230–400 through martyrology inclusion and basilica construction, without date; universal through her name in the Roman Canon.[30]

Miracles

Saints like Cecilia are associated with martyrdom and musical prodigies in her Acts, hagiographic but devotional.

Miracle for beatification

This cannot be confirmed; veneration waived requirements.[31]

Miracle for canonization

No specific; sanctity via witness and incorruption legend.[32]

Other notable miracles

  • Heard heavenly music on wedding night, converting bridegroom (Acts).[33]
  • Body found incorrupt in 1599, neck wounds fresh after 1,800 years.
  • Angelic guardian appearing to converts (passio).

Patronage

Saint Cecilia of Rome is the patron saint of music, musicians, poets, singers, the blind, and throat illnesses, invoked for artistic inspiration and vocal health.[34]

Feast day

November 22

Veneration

Saint Cecilia of Rome is venerated through musical masses, organ dedications, and November 22 concerts, with relics in Trastevere.[35] This reflects hagiographic accounts, though historical verification may be limited.

Saint Cecilia has been depicted in Renaissance paintings with organs and palms, and modern statues as singer-martyr. Literature includes her Acts; media in operas like Berlioz's. Shrines dedicated to Saint Cecilia influence conservatories.

Books

=Written about the saint

=Written by the saint

  • This cannot be confirmed; no extant writings by Cecilia are known.[36]

External links

References

  1. ↑ "Saint Cecilia". Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Cecilia. 
  2. ↑ "CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: St. Cecilia". New Advent. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03471a.htm. 
  3. ↑ "St. Cecilia - Saints & Angels". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=68. 
  4. ↑ "Saint Cecilia". Franciscan Media. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-cecilia. 
  5. ↑ "Saint Cecilia". Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Cecilia. 
  6. ↑ "CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: St. Cecilia". New Advent. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03471a.htm. 
  7. ↑ "St. Cecilia - Saints & Angels". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=68. 
  8. ↑ "Saint Cecilia". Franciscan Media. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-cecilia. 
  9. ↑ "Saint Cecilia". Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Cecilia. 
  10. ↑ "CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: St. Cecilia". New Advent. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03471a.htm. 
  11. ↑ "St. Cecilia - Saints & Angels". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=68. 
  12. ↑ "Saint Cecilia". Franciscan Media. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-cecilia. 
  13. ↑ "Saint Cecilia". Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Cecilia. 
  14. ↑ "CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: St. Cecilia". New Advent. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03471a.htm. 
  15. ↑ "Saint Cecilia". Franciscan Media. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-cecilia. 
  16. ↑ "St. Cecilia - Saints & Angels". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=68. 
  17. ↑ "Basilica of Saint Cecilia". Vatican. https://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/santa_cecilia/index_en.html. 
  18. ↑ "Santa Cecilia in Trastevere". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Cecilia_in_Trastevere. 
  19. ↑ "Catacomb of St. Callixtus". Catacombe Roma. https://www.catacombe-roma.it/en/catacombe-di-san-callisto.php. 
  20. ↑ "CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: St. Cecilia". New Advent. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03471a.htm. 
  21. ↑ "St. Cecilia Cathedral". St Cecilia Cathedral. https://www.stceciliacathedral.org/. 
  22. ↑ "St. Cecilia - Saints & Angels". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=68. 
  23. ↑ "Basilica of Saint Cecilia". Vatican. https://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/santa_cecilia/index_en.html. 
  24. ↑ "Saint Cecilia". Franciscan Media. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-cecilia. 
  25. ↑ "Santa Cecilia in Trastevere". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Cecilia_in_Trastevere. 
  26. ↑ "Saint Cecilia". Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Cecilia. 
  27. ↑ "CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: St. Cecilia". New Advent. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03471a.htm. 
  28. ↑ "St. Cecilia - Saints & Angels". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=68. 
  29. ↑ "Saint Cecilia". Franciscan Media. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-cecilia. 
  30. ↑ "Saint Cecilia". Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Cecilia. 
  31. ↑ "CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: St. Cecilia". New Advent. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03471a.htm. 
  32. ↑ "St. Cecilia - Saints & Angels". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=68. 
  33. ↑ "Saint Cecilia". Franciscan Media. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-cecilia. 
  34. ↑ "Saint Cecilia". Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Cecilia. 
  35. ↑ "Saint Cecilia". Franciscan Media. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-cecilia. 
  36. ↑ "CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: St. Cecilia". New Advent. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03471a.htm. 
Retrieved from "https://saintapedia.org/w/index.php?title=Saint_Cecilia&oldid=16900"