Saint Cecilia

Saint Cecilia is one of the most famous Roman martyrs of the early Church as well as one of the patrons of music.  According to legend, Cecilia was a Christian of high rank betrothed to a Roman named Valerian.  Through her influence, Valerian was converted.  He was martyred along with his brother.  Cecilia’s martyrdom followed.

Since the time of the Renaissance, Saint Cecilia has usually been portrayed with a viola or a small organ.  As one biographer put it, “Like any good Christian, Cecilia sang in her heart and sometimes with her voice.  She has become a symbol of the Church’s conviction that good music is an integral part of the liturgy, of greater value to the Church than any other art.”