Nicolas Poussin c.1627 Museo del Prado | St. Cecilia (November 22)
Her name is Roman from Etruscan origins. From medieval etymology it would mean "White Lily of the Heavens" (Cieli - Lilia). Young Cecilia vowed her virginity to God but was nonetheless forced by her family to marry a pagan by the name of Valerian of Trastevere. On the writings of the Passion Cecilia is reported to have been singing in her heart a hymn of love for God to avoid listening to the profane music at her wedding. This became the cause of her patronage for music, musicians, instrument makers, etc. On her wedding night she confessed to have an angel protecting her body but that he could only see it if he was purified. Valerian accepted and was baptized. Upon returning to his wife he saw her at pray with an angel beside her who placed a crown of roses on each of them and offered the ex-pagan a wish. Valerian asked for his brother to be baptized and his wish was granted. Both brothers as well as Cecilia were martyred for their faith. She was suffocated and when she refused to die was ultimately beheaded. She is usually portrayed in art with a tunic or the customary attire of her time and her attributes are a crown of roses, and musical instruments (usually an organ). |