A young patrician woman whose ancestors loomed large in
Rome’s history, Cecilia vowed her virginity to God, but her
parents married her to Valerian of Trastevere. Cecilia told her new
husband that she was accompanied by an angel, but in order to see it,
he must be purified. He agreed to the purification, and was baptised;
returning from the ceremony, he found her in prayer accompanied by a
praying angel. The angel placed a crown on each of their heads, and
offered Valerian a favor; the new convert asked that his brother be
baptised.
The two brothers developed a ministry of giving proper burial to
martyred Christians. In turn they were arrested and martyred for
their faith. Cecilia buried them at her villa on the Apprian Way, and
was arrested for the action. She was ordered to sacrifice to false
gods; when she refused, she, too, was martyred turn.
The
Acts of Cecilia includes the following:
“While the
profane music of her wedding was heard, Cecilia was singing in her
heart a hymn of love for Jesus, her true spouse.” It was this
phrase that led to her association with music, singers, musicians, etc.
Back to Rose Window
