St. Cecilia
Patron Saint of Musicians
While the historical accuracy of St. Cecilia is up for debate, her story is touching and inspiring.
Cecilia was a young woman in Rome in the third century. Betrothed against her will, she fasted and prayed that she would be able to keep her virginity. She told her betrothed, Valerian, that she was able to see an angel, who protected her from harm. She told Valerian that if he was to become a Christian, he would be able to see the angel as well. He believed her and when he returned saw an angel with flaming wings who then crowned the two with flowers. Valerian and his brother were so inspired by this they made it their mission to bury Christians who had been martyred by the emperor.
Cecilia meanwhile converted hundreds through her preaching. Over four hundred people are said to have been baptized because of Cecilia. She was eventually arrested and sentenced to death. The original sentence of being suffocated by the steam and heat in the baths failed, Cecilia was unharmed. She was then ordered to be killed by beheading. The executioner tried three times, but only succeeded in fatally wounding Cecilia. It took her three days to pass.
Reilly's has a selection of medals, statues, and holy cards of St. Cecilia, as well as other loved saints.
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