St. Cecilia has always been a Saint that I have loved and found a connection with as she is the patroness of music. Her story is quite unique and also extremely inspiring. She had given her life to God but her parents forced her to marry. Upon returning from the wedding with her Pagan husband, she asked him not to take her virginity as an angel was with her. He asked to see the angel, but was told that until he was baptized and became Christian, he could not. He did as he was told and came back fully converted. His love for the Church became so radiant that he started working with his brother to bury those who had been martyred and were later martyred themselves. St. Cecilia was also to be martyred when she was found burying her husband and his brother. She was first placed in her bath and expected to die from the steam. For three days she sat there singing psalms to God, while not being affected. Finally, she was to be beheaded. With three swings of the axe, her head was still intact, but she laid there for three days while suffering from a loss of blood. Her body was later exhumed for examination (during her canonization) and was found to be incorrupt.
Today, her body is in St. Cecilia's Church in Rome. Last summer I was so blessed and was able to visit. Although I could not see her tomb (it was not open at the time), the church was absolutely beautiful! Upon walking in, there is a statue under the altar that depicts what St. Cecilia looked like when her body was first exhumed. Being in the same area that a martyr is buried is so prayerful and contemplative, I only wish that I could have stayed longer.St. Cecilia, ora pro nobis!
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