Portal:Catholic Church/Patron Archive/November 22

Oil painting of Saint Cecilia holding violin and bow, 1606, by Guido Reni.

Saint Cecilia (Latin: Sancta Caecilia), also spelled Cecelia, was a Roman Christian virgin martyr, who is venerated in Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, and some Lutheran churches, such as the Church of Sweden. She became the patroness of music and musicians, it being written that, as the musicians played at her wedding, Cecilia "sang in her heart to the Lord". Musical compositions are dedicated to her, and her feast, on 22 November, is the occasion of concerts and musical festivals. She is also known as Cecilia of Rome. (Full article...)
Prayer: Dear Saint Cecilia, one thing we know for certain about you is that you became a heroic martyr in fidelity to your divine Bridegroom. We do not know that you were a musician but we are told that you heard Angels sing. Inspire musicians to gladden the hearts of people by filling the air with God's gift of music and reminding them of the divine Musician who created all beauty. Amen.


Attributes: Flute, organ, roses, violin, harp, Baritone harpsichord, singing
Patronage: Hymns, musicians, poets; Albi, France; Archdiocese of Omaha, Nebraska; Mar del Plata, Argentina, Pipe organs