St. Agatha is one of the most highly venerated virgin martyrs of the Catholic Church. She was born around 231 in Sicily to a rich and noble family.

She was notably beautiful from the very young age and decided to dedicate her life to God. However, Quintianus, who was a judge, wanted to marry her and thought that he could force her to turn away from her vow. His persistent proposals were consistently turned down by Agatha. Hence, he had her arrested and brought her in front of him during the persecution of Decius, knowing that she was a Christian.

To force her to change her mind, Quintianus had her imprisoned - in a brothel. However, Agatha never lost her confidence in God, even though she suffered a month of assaults. Quintianus heard of her calm strength and ordered that she be brought before him once again. During her interrogation, she told him that to be a servant of Jesus Christ was her true freedom. Enraged, Quintianus sent her off to prison instead of back to the brothel.

Agatha continued to proclaim Jesus as her Savior, Lord, Life and Hope. Quintianus ordered her to be tortured. He had her stretched on a rack to be torn with iron hooks, burned with torches, and whipped. Noticing Agatha was enduring all the torture with a sense of cheer, he ordered that her breasts be cut off.

He then sent her back to prison with an order of no food or medical attention. But the Lord gave her all the care she needed. He was her Sacred Physician and protector. Agatha had a vision of the apostle, St. Peter, who comforted her and healed her wounds through his prayers.

After four days, Quintianus ignored the miraculous cure of her wounds. He had her stripped naked and rolled over naked over hot coals which were mixed with sharp shards. When she was returned to prison, Agatha prayed, "Lord, my Creator, you have ever protected me from the cradle; you have taken me from the love of the world and given me patience to suffer; receive now my soul."

Agatha is believed to have passed into Heaven around the year 251.

St. Agatha is the patron saint of Sicily, bellfounders, breast cancer patients, Palermo, rape victims, and wet nurses. She is also considered to be a powerful intercessor when people suffer from fires.


Other Saints of the Day
1. Saint Abraham
2. Saint Avitus
3. Saint Gonsalo Garcia
4. Saint Leo Karasuma
5. Saint Philip of Jesus

-catholic.org