St. Agatha
c. 231–251
Feast: February 5
While there is evidence that Agatha was venerated at least as far back as the sixth century, the only facts we have about her are that she was born in Sicily and died there a martyr. According to legend, as a wealthy young woman she dedicated her life to God and resisted any men who wanted to marry her. One of her rebuffed suitors had her arrested for being a Christian. Faced with torture and possible death, Agatha affirmed her faith, praying: “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.” Tortured repeatedly, she died after saying a final prayer: “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.”
-Catholic News Agency
Northwest Catholic - January/February 2019