Roman Catholics observe today, November 22, the feast day of Saint Cecilia, the venerated patroness of church music and musicians.
(catholicreadings.org / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
Several churches, schools, and music halls were named after her in many parts of the world, including the Philippines.
Venerated since the 4th century, the well-loved Italian saint is considered as one of the most popular martyrs of Christian antiquity. She is often glorified in literature, the arts, music, and poetry to this day.
St. Cecilia is one of only seven women, excluding the Blessed Mother, who is commemorated by name in the Canon of the Mass. She is venerated in the Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican Churches.
Born in Rome, Italy during the second century, she was pious from youth, and was greatly admired for her deep faith as well as her love for music. According to stories, St. Cecilia gave glory to God and expressed her faith by singing religious hymns as she lay dying a martyr’s death.
Her major shrine, the Church of St. Cecilia in Rome, where she was believed to have lived, died, and buried, has become a popular pilgrimage site and tourist attraction, receiving hundreds of devotees, pilgrims, and tourists every year.