February 5 – St. Agatha
Born: c. 231
Died: c. 251
Nationality: Italian
Vocation: lay
Attributes: breasts on a plate
Patronage: breast cancer patients, rape victims, single laywomen, infertility, victims of torture, natural disasters
Canonization: pre-congregation
Tradition holds that Agatha was born in Sicily to a wealthy noble family. She consecrated herself to God and resisted many suitors. One man who tried to force her to marry him was a senator named Quintian.
Knowing she was a Christian, he had her arrested and believed that, when faced with torture and death, Agatha would acquiesce. She only became more determined, saying “Jesus Christ, Lord of all, you see my heart, you know my desires. Possess all that I am. I am your sheep: make me worthy to overcome the devil.”
Quintian had her tortured, and according to tradition, ordered that her breasts be cut off. When she returned to prison, she received a vision of St. Peter who healed her. She eventually succumbed to subsequent tortures, praying, “Lord, my Creator, you have always protected me from the cradle; you have taken me from the love of the world and given me patience to suffer. Receive my soul.”
She was invoked for help during the volcanic eruption of Mount Etna and is considered a protector against outbreaks of fire.
As one of the most highly venerated virgin martyrs of Christian antiquity, Agatha’s name is listed in the canon of the Mass.
St. Agatha, pray for us.