By Christina Hermoso
Roman Catholics honor Wednesday, February 5, the memory of one of the most popular and widely venerated martyrs of Christian antiquity - Saint Agatha (San Agueda), the patron saint of nurses.
Saint Agatha (San Agueda|Wikimedia Commons
Commemorative masses, special prayers, and processions will be held in several Catholic churches in many parts of the world in honor of the revered Italian saint.
Devotees traditionally offer prayers and special devotions to invoke her intercession and protection for all individuals involved in the nursing profession.
St. Agatha, who is mentioned in the canon of the mass, is also invoked against earthquakes and breast diseases.
Born in Sicily, Italy during the third century, she consecrated herself to God from her youth. She was a very holy and pious woman who served as an inspiration to many because of her steadfast faith. She died of torture in the year 250 for refusing to accept any marriage proposal. She has been widely venerated in many countries since the 6th century.
Saint Agatha (San Agueda|Wikimedia Commons
Commemorative masses, special prayers, and processions will be held in several Catholic churches in many parts of the world in honor of the revered Italian saint.
Devotees traditionally offer prayers and special devotions to invoke her intercession and protection for all individuals involved in the nursing profession.
St. Agatha, who is mentioned in the canon of the mass, is also invoked against earthquakes and breast diseases.
Born in Sicily, Italy during the third century, she consecrated herself to God from her youth. She was a very holy and pious woman who served as an inspiration to many because of her steadfast faith. She died of torture in the year 250 for refusing to accept any marriage proposal. She has been widely venerated in many countries since the 6th century.