Life of Saint Cecilia

Saint Cecilia is among the first female Christian saints, being born in the Roman Empire during the early 3rd century AD. This is the story of her life, and the discovery of her remains, and her veneration.

This biography recounts the various tales surrounding Cecilia and her life in Ancient Rome. At a young age she found her calling: unceasing devotion to the Christian Lord. However Roman society was unsympathetic to her beliefs and piety, and she was betrothed against her will to a pagan. After her death at a young age, Cecilia’s remains went undiscovered until the early 9th century. Their discovery, in pristine condition, was a cause for great celebration in Rome with Pope Paschal I leading the jubilations.

Prosper Guéranger’s account of St. Cecilia is thorough, with plentiful context given to the history of Rome and the church. A frequent subject of paintings throughout the Medieval and Renaissance and eras, Saint Cecilia’s name is commonly given to churches or educational establishments. Her story is still taught to this day, and the greatest monument to her life is in Rome: the Basilica di Santa Cecilia in Trastevere, now a museum open to the public.