St. Cecilia

Who they were

Cecilia was a Roman woman of rank, martyred in the second or third century and buried in the catacomb of Callixtus among the popes. Her veneration in Rome is very early, her name stands in the Roman Canon, and her basilica in Trastevere stands over what tradition holds was her house. The passion account written centuries later gave the detail that named her forever: at her wedding, while the instruments played, Cecilia sang in her heart to the Lord alone. From that single clause comes the patroness of music. The account's other scenes, her husband Valerian's conversion, the botched execution and the three days she lived after, are tradition and told as such. In 1599 her tomb was opened and the sculptor Maderno carved what he swore he saw: a young woman lying on her side as if asleep, fingers extended. That statue lies in her basilica today.

Why people turn to St. Cecilia

Musicians of every kind: church choirs, garage bands, the child starting piano. Her feast is celebrated with concerts worldwide.

How to ask their intercession

Before you play or sing, one line: that the outer music match the inner one. For a young musician, ask her prayers by name and by instrument.