November 22

Today or on a corresponding date in other calendars, almost all of the Christian churches commemorate Cecilia. This Roman martyr lived from the late second to early third centuries and was executed by the prefect Turcius Almanachius, together with her husband Valerian and her brother-in-law Tiburtius.
Historically, all that is known about her is that she belonged to the illustrius Cecilii family of Rome. As a young Christian, Cecilia gave the Church and its pastors generous economic assistance. A piece of land she had donated to the diocese became the cemetery of the Popes of Rome. Cecilia was also courageous, and offered many Christians refuge on her property in times of persecution.
Her fame is due to the story of her Passio, one of the most widely read in the early Church. Engaged to a pagan named Valerian, Cecilia convinced both him and his brother Tiburtius to become Christians and to lead chaste and irreprehensible lives. Both men joined Cecilia in giving the supreme testimony of their faith in martyrdom.
Cecilia is known worldwide as the patron saint of musicians. According to tradition, as her wedding guests celebrated, singing and playing festive music, Cecilia sang a hymn in her heart to God asking him to allow her to keep her virginity for the kingdom of heaven.