Valerian sought an angel’s presence. It all began in Rome with Saint Cecilia. Let’s step back in time and explore the captivating story of St Cecilias Catholic Church.
Saint Cecilia was born in Rome. This happened in the second century. Though her father was pagan, her mother was likely Christian. Cecilia belonged to a noble family. They were known for their contributions to Rome. Despite her wealth, she lived a life of prayer and penance. Cecilia wore simple clothes beneath her rich garments. She fasted often and wanted to remain a virgin for God.
Her father arranged her marriage to Valerian. He was a young pagan patrician. On their wedding day amid music she sat apart. Cecilia sang to God in her heart. She prayed for help. Later she told Valerian she had a secret. She had a guardian angel.
Valerian asked to see the angel. Cecilia told him to believe in God and be baptized. She directed him to an old man who could perform the baptism. Valerian followed her instructions. He found Bishop Urban who taught and baptized him.
Upon Valerian’s return, a bright light glowed around Cecilia. An angel stood beside her. The angel gave them crowns of roses and lilies. Valerian requested baptism for his brother Tiburtius. Tiburtius also converted after Cecilia spoke of Jesus.
During the persecutions of Christians, Valerian and Tiburtius helped bury martyrs. They were arrested and ordered to worship Jupiter. They refused. They were beheaded on the Appian Way. Maximus, their notary, was converted by their sacrifice. He was killed too. Cecilia buried all three.
Cecilia was arrested for burying Valerian and Tiburtius. She refused to renounce her faith. She converted those sent to persuade her. Bishop Urban baptized 400 people including Gordian. Gordian established a church in her house. Urban later dedicated it in her name.
Almachius, the prefect, ordered Cecilia’s death by suffocation. She was locked in a vapor bath. But she survived unharmed. An executioner was then sent to behead her. He struck three blows but failed. Cecilia lay wounded for two days.
Before dying Cecilia requested that her palace become a church. She asked that the poor be cared for. She died with her hand positioned to symbolize the Holy Trinity. The story of St Cecilias Catholic Church echoes Cecilia’s devotion.
Today St Cecilias Catholic Church continues her legacy. Weekly bulletins announce upcoming events. These include St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. They also have Eucharistic celebrations. The church seeks altar servers. They invite students to assist at Sunday Mass. RCIA classes welcome new members. The choir practices weekly. They sing at the 11 a.m. Sunday Mass.
Marian Prayer Group meets weekly too. The Rosary Apostolate visits schools. The Mass schedule includes Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings. St. Cecilia School and St. Rita School are linked to the church. St. Cecilias Catholic Church stands as a testament to faith and service.