Little is historically known about St. Cecilia, the virgin and Martyr, . However, Catholic tradition believes that she lived sometime in the second century. Born into a wealthy family, Cecilia devoted her life to God. Though it was against the law, she worked endlessly to convert hundreds of people to the Christianity, including her husband. Eventually, this heroic act led to her arrest and she was sentenced to death.
After several failed attempts at execution, Saint Cecilia was left to die. While she layed in anguish, it is said that she converted many of those who cared for her while she was dying. When she finally took her last breath, she was lying on her right side, with her hands crossed in prayer, three fingers extended on her right hand, and one on the left, a final profession of faith in the Holy Trinity.
Several hundred years later, her body was found to be in the exact position of her death, completely preserved, including the mark on her neck from her execution attempt. Today, St. Cecilia is part of a special group of saints, known as the “incorruptibles.”
Saint Cecilia is remembered today as the patron saint of musicians, composers, instrument makers, and poets. Given to her from her love of music.