CSVF Blog

Saint Cecilia kept the Gospel of Christ ever near her heart; day or night she never ceased praying and speaking with God.

Perhaps the most beloved the Roman virgin martyrs, St. Cecilia successfully preserved the purity of her body and her faith despite the contrary designs of both her family and the state.  

Cecilia, a Roman noblewoman determined to live in perpetual chastity, escaped the marriage arranged for her by her family when she converted her new husband, Valerianus, on their wedding night.  Through her gentle pleading, Valerianus joined his wife in embracing a life of perpetual chastity.  So too did Valerianus’ brother, Tibertius.  Together, the three of them grew in grace and prayer until the moment arrived for the offering of their final witness.  Discovered by the authorities to be Christians, these young members of the nobility were sentenced to death.  Valerianus and Tibertius were beheaded, and Cecilia finally died days after her executioners succeeded in only wounding her.

Click here for more on the life and legend of St. Cecilia.

Lord of mercy,
be close to those who cal upon you.
With Saint Cecilia to help us
hear and answer our prayers.

Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever. Amen.

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