St. Agatha
| St. Agatha | |
|---|---|
| Saint | St. Agatha |
| Stage | Saint |
| Birthdate | Unknown, likely 3rd century |
| Birthplace | Catania, Sicily, Italy |
| Birth Coordinates | |
| Deathdate | c. 251 AD |
| Death Place | Catania, Sicily, Italy |
| Death Coordinates | |
| Cause of Death | Martyrdom |
| Notable Location 1 | Catania, Sicily, where she was imprisoned |
| Notable Location 1 Coordinates | |
| Notable Location 2 | |
| Notable Location 2 Coordinates | |
| Notable Location 3 | |
| Notable Location 3 Coordinates | |
| Notable Location 4 | |
| Notable Location 4 Coordinates | |
| Notable Location 5 | |
| Notable Location 5 Coordinates | |
| Beatification Date | Not applicable |
| Beatified by | |
| Beatification Location | |
| Canonized | Yes |
| Canonization Date | Recognized since early Christian times; no formal date |
| Canonized by | |
| Canonization Location | |
| Miracle 1 | Survived torture and healed her wounds |
| Miracle 2 | Stopped an eruption of Mount Etna |
| Miracle 3 | Her veil saved Catania from fire |
| Feast Day | February 5 |
| Profession | Virgin, Martyr |
| Religious Affiliation | |
| Patronage | Catania, Sicily; against fire; breast cancer; bell-founders; bakers; wet nurses |
| Attributes | Shears, tongs, breasts on a dish, palm of martyrdom |
| Primary Shrine | Cathedral of Saint Agatha, Catania, Italy |
| Additional Veneration | Eastern Orthodox Church, Anglican Communion |
St. Agatha, one of the most venerated virgin martyrs in Christianity, lived in the 3rd century in Catania, Sicily[1]. Known for her beauty and piety, she refused the advances of Quintianus, a Roman prefect, leading to her brutal torture and eventual martyrdom[2].
Her life is celebrated for her steadfast faith and the miracles associated with her intercession, notably the protection of Catania from volcanic eruptions[2].
Biography
Birth
Agatha was born in Catania, Sicily, with her birth date unknown but likely in the 3rd century[3].
Early Life
She was raised in a Christian family and consecrated her life to God from a young age[2].
Occupation
She is known for her role as a virgin martyr rather than any secular occupation[1].
Vocation
Her vocation was one of religious devotion, leading a life of purity and dedication to her faith[2].
Death
St. Agatha was martyred around 251 AD after enduring severe torture for her Christian faith[4].
Significant events
- Refused to marry Quintianus, leading to her persecution[2].
- Endured torture, including the cutting off of her breasts, yet was miraculously healed[4].
- Interceded to stop an eruption of Mount Etna, and her veil is said to have saved Catania from fire[3].
Death
St. Agatha died as a martyr, having suffered severe torture for her refusal to renounce Christianity.
Canonization
Servant of God
St. Agatha was not formally recognized through modern canonization processes since she was martyred before such systems existed[2].
Venerable
Not applicable; recognized as a saint by tradition[2].
Beatification
Not formally beatified; recognized as a saint by the early Church[2].
Canonization
Canonized by tradition; no formal canonization date as she was recognized as a saint from early Christian times[2].
Miracles
Miracle for beatification
Not applicable for formal beatification, but her miracles, like surviving torture, are well-documented in hagiography[4].
Miracle for canonization
Not applicable; her sainthood is based on tradition and early Church recognition[2].
Other notable miracles
Patronage
St. Agatha is the patron saint of Catania, Sicily, against fire, breast cancer, bell-founders, bakers, and wet nurses[2].
Feast day
Her feast day is February 5[2].
Veneration
St. Agatha is widely venerated, especially in Sicily, where her feast is celebrated with grand processions. Her relics are kept in the Cathedral of Saint Agatha in Catania, and her intercession is sought for various causes, particularly related to fire and breast diseases[2].
Books
Written about the saint
- Her life and martyrdom are recounted in various hagiographies and historical texts[3].
Written by the saint
- St. Agatha did not leave any known written works[3].
External links
- Catholic Online article on St. Agatha[2]
- Britannica's biography on St. Agatha[1]
- New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia on St. Agatha[4]
- Wikipedia entry on Agatha of Sicily[3]