04 February 2008

Saint Agatha of Sicily

Editor's Note: Because today is Ash Monday, Saint Agatha is mentioned in the intercessions and may be mentioned at the Liturgy of the Hours, but any further celebration of her feast day is not kept this year.

Today the Church commemorates Saint Agatha of Sicily.

Young, beautiful and rich, Agatha lived a life consecrated to God. When the Emperor Decius announced the edicts against Christians, the magistrate Quinctianus tried to profit by Agatha's sanctity; he planned to blackmail her into sex in exchange for not charging her. Handed over to a brothel, she refused to accept customers. After rejecting Quinctianus' advances, she was beaten, imprisoned, tortured. Imprisoned further, then rolled on live coals, she was near death when an earthquake stuck. In the destruction, the magistrate's friend was crushed, and the magistrate fled. Agatha thanked God for an end to her pain, and died.

Prayer of the Day
Almighty God, we praise you as we commeorate the courage of your holy martyr Agatha. Fill us with the Holy Spirit that, like her, we may remain faithful in all times of trouble and pain, seeking instead the glory that comes to us through our relationship with your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. To you, O God, be glory forever. Amen.

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All original material (C) 2007-2010 by Father Robert Lyons.

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