Saint Cecilia
Kris Johnson, Saint Peter & Saint Paul Catholic Church of Mazeppa
God and music go hand in hand, just as fish go with a river. Mass is always accompanied with music. It may be a choir of angelic voices in a grand Cathedral, or a simple organ in a little, remote church. Music unites God's followers into a family, so that we are not separate groups of lambs. No matter the language that is sung, people have the ability to recognize what is sung through what their hearts say. I love the different notes in music and the rhythms. To me, I am always overcome with a sense of peace when listening to true music. It is my favorite time to talk to God because I have a clear head. I can connect with Him the best because my hardships are washed away for a moment and I can bask in his love. Because music is so important to me, I chose Saint Cecilia, the patroness of music, to become my name for Confirmation.
Saint Cecilia lived during the third century after Jesus Christ's death. Her parents were Roman Nobles, as well as pagans. Despite her personal vow to be a dutiful servant to Jesus, Cecilia's parents forced her into a marriage with Valerian of Trastevere. She displayed her love for music by playing at her own wedding! After their marriage, Cecilia was able to convince Valerian to be baptized. The two of them then went on to convince Valerian's brother and others to be baptized. They also held proper burials for other Christians, but this got them into trouble with authorities. Valerian and his brother were then killed because of their Christian beliefs and actions. Of course Cecilia had to give her husband and brother-in-law a proper burial, which caused her to get in trouble with authorities as well.
Cecilia's first punishment was to be convicted to prostitution, However, God
remembered her vow to virginity and saved her from ruin by having her first miracle occur, which was having her hair grow to cover her body. Cecilia's next punishment was to be suffocated by being stuck in a steam room that was actually located in her own home. Her second miracle was surviving this ordeal for several days. Finally, officials got tired of her resistance to death and sent an executioner to behead her. Even after three attempts of beheading Cecilia, the executioner was only able to wound her. This is Cecilia's third miracle that granted her Sainthood. Sadly Cecilia did become a martyr in A.D. 280. Her cause of death is contradicted throughout different sites. Some said she died from her wounds from the executioner, yet she was found unharmed when her body was recovered. However, Saint Cecilia is labeled a martyr, so she was killed of unnatural causes.
By taking on the name of Cecilia for my Confirmation, I hope to take with me her love for God, Jesus, and music. I also hope for her strength to do what is right.
God and music go hand in hand, just as fish go with a river. Mass is always accompanied with music. It may be a choir of angelic voices in a grand Cathedral, or a simple organ in a little, remote church. Music unites God's followers into a family, so that we are not separate groups of lambs. No matter the language that is sung, people have the ability to recognize what is sung through what their hearts say. I love the different notes in music and the rhythms. To me, I am always overcome with a sense of peace when listening to true music. It is my favorite time to talk to God because I have a clear head. I can connect with Him the best because my hardships are washed away for a moment and I can bask in his love. Because music is so important to me, I chose Saint Cecilia, the patroness of music, to become my name for Confirmation.
Saint Cecilia lived during the third century after Jesus Christ's death. Her parents were Roman Nobles, as well as pagans. Despite her personal vow to be a dutiful servant to Jesus, Cecilia's parents forced her into a marriage with Valerian of Trastevere. She displayed her love for music by playing at her own wedding! After their marriage, Cecilia was able to convince Valerian to be baptized. The two of them then went on to convince Valerian's brother and others to be baptized. They also held proper burials for other Christians, but this got them into trouble with authorities. Valerian and his brother were then killed because of their Christian beliefs and actions. Of course Cecilia had to give her husband and brother-in-law a proper burial, which caused her to get in trouble with authorities as well.
Cecilia's first punishment was to be convicted to prostitution, However, God
remembered her vow to virginity and saved her from ruin by having her first miracle occur, which was having her hair grow to cover her body. Cecilia's next punishment was to be suffocated by being stuck in a steam room that was actually located in her own home. Her second miracle was surviving this ordeal for several days. Finally, officials got tired of her resistance to death and sent an executioner to behead her. Even after three attempts of beheading Cecilia, the executioner was only able to wound her. This is Cecilia's third miracle that granted her Sainthood. Sadly Cecilia did become a martyr in A.D. 280. Her cause of death is contradicted throughout different sites. Some said she died from her wounds from the executioner, yet she was found unharmed when her body was recovered. However, Saint Cecilia is labeled a martyr, so she was killed of unnatural causes.
By taking on the name of Cecilia for my Confirmation, I hope to take with me her love for God, Jesus, and music. I also hope for her strength to do what is right.
