Saint Agatha
Stored in Cargo: Saint Agatha
| Saint Agatha | |
| Feast Day | February 05 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Catania, Sicily; against fire; breast cancer; bell-founders; bakers; wet nurses |
| Birthplace | Catania, Sicily, Italy |
| Death Place | Catania, Sicily, Italy |
| Cause of Death | Martyrdom |
| Primary Shrine | Cathedral of Saint Agatha, Catania, Italy |
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
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Catania, Sicily, Italy
Death location: Catania, Sicily, Italy
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
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].