SAINT AGATHA – Virgin and Martyr

Born: Catania or Palermo Sicily

Died: 251

Venerated in:

Roman Catholicism

Eastern Orthodoxy Christianity

Oriental Orthodoxy Christianity

Feast Day: February 5

Patronage: Breast Disease, Volcanic Eruptions, Earthquakes, Nurses, Foundry men.

Although there is evidence that Agatha was venerated as far back as the sixth century, the only facts about her is that she was born in Sicily and died there a martyr.

It is recorded that she belonged to a rich, important family and that she was a very beautiful young woman. When she was young, she dedicated her life to God and resisted any man who wanted to marry her or have sex with her. One of these men, Quintanius, was of a high enough rank that he felt he could force her to give in to him.

The torture and martyrdom of Saint Agatha took place during the reign of Decius, a determined and ruthless enemy of the Christians. Saint Fabian, the Pope also suffered the wrath of Decius.

Quintanius, certainly knowing his superiors would have no problem with his actions had Saint Agatha arrested and brought before the judge -- himself. He expected her to give in when faced with torture and possible death. This only made her stronger in her commitment to Jesus and she prayed, “Jesus Christ, Lord of all, you see my heart. You know my desires. Possess all that I am. I am your sheep. Make me worthy to overcome the devil.”

Once again, the few accounts that exist, tell us that Quintanius imprisoned her in a brothel giving her to the charge of an evil woman, whose seductive arts were thwarted by Saint Agatha’s unswerving firmness in her Christian Faith. She never changed her mind. After she had suffered a month of assault and humiliation, Quintanius brought her back before him to see if she had changed her mind. But Agatha had never wavered. She proclaimed that her freedom came from Jesus.

She was not sent back to the brothel, but rather to prison. Quintanius thought this move would make her more afraid, but it probably was a great relief to her. When she continued to profess her faith in Jesus, this Roman official, Quintanius, had her tortured. The angry judge had her beaten. She cheerfully endured being stretched on a rack. It was obvious he had no true love for Agatha for his actions made it clear he wanted to have her for sexual, lustful purposes and he wanted to have his way. Saint Agatha and her beliefs were nothing to him.

Quintanius subjected Saint Agatha to various cruel tortures, especially inhuman seemed his order to have her breasts cut off and left without food. He gave her no medical care. But God took care of her.

He gave her all the care she needed. The holy virgin was consoled by a vision of Saint Peter, who miraculously healed her. After four days she was forced to roll naked over burning coals. Eventually she succumbed to the repeated tortures.

Her final prayer was,” Lord, my Creator, You have always protected me from the cradle. You have taken me from the love of the world and given me patience to suffer. Receive my soul.”

She is often depicted carrying her breasts on a plate. It is thought that blessing of the bread that takes place on her feast may have come from the mistaken notion that she was carrying loaves of bread.

Because she was asked for help during the eruption of Mount Etna she is considered a protector against the outbreak of fire. She is also considered the patron of bell makers.

Saint Agatha is one of seven women, excluding the Virgin Mary, commemorated by name in the Canon of the Mass.

Much of what is known about the early saints and martyrs has been passed down by oral and recorded history and the variations are not easily confirmed as to their accuracy. The circumstances around their lives may change, but the core message of who they really were and their love and commitment to Jesus Christ never changes.

Prayer:

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

Resources:

http://www.catholic.org/printer_friendly.php?id=14&section=Saints+%26+Angels

http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Agatha_of_Sciliy&printable=yes

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01203c.htm

http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintOfDay/default.asp?id=1282