November 22, 2024, Memorial of St. Cecilia, Holy Rosary (Sorrowful Mysteries)

Friends of the Rosary,

Today, November 22, we celebrate the Memorial of St. Cecilia, a virgin and martyr, one of the most venerated of Roman saints.

Her martyrdom probably occurred during the reign of Emperor Alexander Severus, about the year 230. In 1599, her grave was opened, and her body was found incorrupt in a cypress wood coffin.

Cecilia led a life of prayer and meditation. She had vowed lifelong virginity, but a youth named Valerian, relying upon the approval of her parents, hoped to marry her. When the wedding night arrived, she told Valerian, "There is a secret, Valerian, I wish to tell you. I have as a lover an angel of God who jealously guards my body." Valerian promised to believe in Christ if he could see that angel.

Cecilia explained how such was impossible without baptism, and Valerian consented to be baptized. After he was baptized by Pope Urban and returned, he found Cecilia in her little room, lost in prayer, and next to her, the angel of the Lord was standing.

Since the Middle Ages, Cecilia has been honored as patroness of Church music.

Ave Maria!
Jesus, I Trust In You!
St. Cecilia, Pray for Us!

Come, Holy Spirit, come!

To Jesus through Mary!

+ Mikel Amigot | RosaryNetwork.com, New York

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