November 22nd is the feast day of Saint Cecilia, patron saint of musicians. Saint Cecilia was a noblewoman of Rome who, despite her vow of virginity, was forced by her parents to marry a pagan nobleman named Valerian. During the wedding, Cecilia sat apart singing to God in her heart, and for that she was later declared the patron saint of musicians. When the time came for her marriage to be consummated, Cecilia told Valerian that watching over her was an Angel of the Lord who would punish him if he violated her but would love him if he respected her virginity. When Valerian asked to see the Angel, Cecilia replied that he could if he would go to the third milestone on the Via Appia and be baptized by Pope Urban I. After following Cecilia's advice, he saw the Angel standing beside her, crowning her with roses and lilies. The martyrdom of Cecilia is said to have followed that of her husband Valerian and his brother at the hands of the prefect Turcius Almachius. The legend about Cecilia's death says that after being struck three times on the neck with a sword, she lived for three days, and asked the Pope to convert her home into a church.

A2 Print / Size 59.4 x 42 cm

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