Born in Rome during the 2nd century, the legend of Cecelia tells us she came from a family of nobles. This was during the reign of the Roman Emperor, Severus, whose hate for Christians produced many martyrs. 

Cecelia was engaged to a young man named Valerian but on the day of their wedding, she informed him she had converted to Christianity and taken a vow of chastity. 

Valerian’s response was to convert as well, and he was secretly Baptized by Pope Urban I. Shortly afterward, Valerian’s brother, Tiberius, also converted and was Baptized. 

It was not long before the Roman authorities took action. The local Prefect, Almachius, had the brothers arrested. However, Maximus, the arresting officer, was so moved by their faith that he converted as well. 

Enraged, Almachius had all three tortured severely and then beheaded. Cecelia was then arrested and condemned to die as well. But she was very popular in the community, which made Almachius concerned about a public execution. 

Instead, he sentenced her to death in a steam room. She was locked in the room for 24 hours but, to everyone’s shock, emerged unaffected. 

So, Almachius ordered her decapitation. But, after three blows from a sword, though badly wounded, she remained alive. Unable to speak, Cecelia showed her continued belief in The Trinity by holding her thumb and two fingers. Finally, after suffering in great pain for three days, she died. 

Stephano Moderna carved a statue of the slain Cecelia with her fingers and thumb extended in honor of The Trinity. 

That statue can be found at the central altar of The Basilica of St. Cecilia in Rome. 

St. Cecelia, please pray for us.