Cecelia of Rome

A young Roman noble woman of the 2nd century, an only child and convert to Christianity.

Cecelia vowed her virginity to God, but her parents married her to Valerian of Trastevere. She was able to convince her husband to be Baptized and he in turn convinced his brother Tiburtius to come to Christ. Though it seems she remained a virgin after their wedding.

The two brothers developed a ministry of giving proper burial to martyred Christians. In their turn they were arrested and martyred for their faith. Cecilia buried them at her villa on the Apprian Way, and was arrested for the action. She was ordered to sacrifice to false gods; when she refused, she was martyred in her turn.


Cecelia of Rome - 22 November - Virgin and Martyr

The Collect.

O GOD, which makest us glad with the yearly festival of thy blessed Martyr Cecilia: grant, we beseech thee; that as we do commemorate her in our outward office, so we may follow the example of her godly conversation. Through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.


The Epistle - Ecclesiasticus 51:9-12.

Then lifted I up my supplications from the earth, and prayed for deliverance from death. I called upon the Lord, the Father of my Lord, that he would not leave me in the days of my trouble, and in the time of the proud, when there was no help. I will praise thy name continually, and will sing praises with thanksgiving; and so my prayer was heard: For thou savedst me from destruction, and deliveredst me from the evil time: therefore will I give thanks, and praise thee, and bless they name, O Lord.


The Gospel - St Matthew 25:1-13.

AT that time: Jesus spake this parable unto his disciples: the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.


Reference and Resources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Cecilia
http://www.episcopalnet.org/1928bcp/propers/Missal/Nov22.html
http://saints.sqpn.com/saint-cecilia/

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