St. Agatha

When she lived:

St. Agatha lived in the 3rd century AD, during the late Roman Empire.

Where she lived:

St. Agatha lived in Sicily, specifically in the city of Catania, which was part of the Roman province of Sicilia.

Notable world events during the time of her life:

1. Persecution of Christians (3rd century AD): St. Agatha lived during a period of intense persecution of Christians under the Roman Empire, particularly during the reign of Emperor Decius. Christians were targeted and subjected to torture and execution for their faith.
2. Reign of Emperor Diocletian (284-305 AD): Diocletian, known for his extensive reforms and persecution of Christians, ruled the Roman Empire during the latter part of the 3rd century. His reign marked a significant turning point in the empire’s history.
3. Crisis of the Third Century (235-284 AD): St. Agatha witnessed the chaotic period known as the Crisis of the Third Century, characterized by frequent civil wars, economic instability, and the decline of the Roman Empire’s central authority.
4. Growth of Christianity (3rd century AD): Despite persecution, Christianity continued to grow during St. Agatha’s time, spreading throughout the Roman Empire and gaining followers even in the face of adversity.

Her patronage:

St. Agatha is recognized as the patron saint of various causes, including those suffering from breast diseases and those who endure torture. She is also considered a patron saint of nurses and victims of sexual assault or abuse.

Biography

St. Agatha, often referred to as St. Agatha of Sicily, was born in 231 AD in Catania, Italy, to a wealthy and noble Christian family. Today, she is widely celebrated on her feast day, which is the 5th of February.

Early Life

When she was 15, she decided to live her life as a consecrated virgin. This means she was to remain celibate and give herself wholly to Jesus and the church in a life of prayer and service.

She became a deaconess in the church (most paintings depict her in this role). As a deacon, she was responsible for teaching new believers about the Christian faith. She also assisted them in preparing for baptism and Holy Communion.

Between 250 and 253 AD, the Roman Emperor Traian Decius ordered that all Christians be persecuted. A man known as Quintianus was the Roman prefect of Catania at the time.

Quintianus was in love with Agatha and made several advances toward her. Rumor has it that he just wanted to get his hands on the family’s property and land. Because Agatha had a vow of virginity, she turned down the advances.

Being in a position of power, Quintianus was used to getting everything he wanted, so he didn’t take the rejection well. Quintianus brought Agatha before the judge (Quintianus was the judge) because of her Christian beliefs.

Quintianus sent Agatha to prison as she was a Christian, and there was an order for all Christians to be persecuted. He then decided to send her to a brothel as punishment. At the brothel, she refused to accept customers, and she was sent back to Quintianus.

Quintianus upbraided her and made it known to her that she was a free and noble woman who had allowed herself to be seduced into the servitude of Christians. Agatha courageously informed Quintianus that she was a Christian and wanted to be a servant of Jesus Christ. She continuously rejected his advances.

Death

As a result of her resistance to Quintianus’ advances, Agatha was sent to prison, where she was brutally tortured. She was stretched on a rack to be torn with iron hooks, burned with torches, and whipped.

As part of the torture, her breasts were cut off. She responded to this horrible act by saying, “Cruel man, have you forgotten your mother and the breast that nourished you, that you dare to mutilate me this way?” to Quintianus. She did not receive any form of treatment after that incident.

As a result of his continuously growing hatred for Agatha, Quintianus ordered that she lay on a bed of coals and be burned. While they were burning her, an earthquake struck Catania, and Quintianus ordered that Agatha be sent back to prison.

A few hours later, Agatha died. This was on the 5th of February, 251 AD. That is why she is celebrated on the 5th of February.

After-Life

Agatha was buried at the Badia di Sant’Agata in a cave, but later her body was taken to Constantinople, where it was kept for nine years. In 1126, it was brought back to Catania, and now it rests in a cathedral.

In Catania, the festival of St. Agatha takes place on the first five days of February, and there is an all-night procession through the city. In art, she is often depicted carrying her excised breasts on a platter. Most paintings also show her with a red veil.

She is celebrated not only in Catania but in the whole of Sicily and worldwide.

5 Interesting Facts About St. Agatha

1. When she had her breasts cut, it is believed that during the night
   Saint Peter appeared in her cell and healed her wounds.
2. When she was being burned, her red veil remained intact.
3. In Catania, it is believed that the carrying of Santa Agatha’s veil
   in procession, has saved the city from many eruptions of Mount
   Etna, earthquakes, and the plague are also responsible for saving
   the people of Catania from the wrath of Emperor Fredrick II
   in 1231.
4. A year after her death, there was an eruption of Mount Etna. when
   Her veil was held against the onrushing flames, and the danger ceased.
5. St. Agatha’s remains are currently in the same cathedral as Bellini’s.
   a famous opera composer.

Prayer to St. Agatha

Saint Agatha, you suffered sexual assault and indignity because of your faith and purity. Help heal all those who are survivors of sexual assault and protect those women who are in danger. Amen

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