Saint Agatha

Saint Agatha was born in Palermo or Catania, Sicily, around 231 AD into a wealthy noble family. At age 15, she made a vow of virginity, choosing to devote her life to Christ. Because of her exquisite beauty and wealth, the local Roman Prefect Quintianus wanted to have her for his wife, but she refused. In 250 AD, Emperor Decius issued a decree demanding that all citizens offer sacrifices to the Roman gods. Quintianus decided that if he arrested Agatha and threatened to torture her to death, she would abandon her faith and accept him in marriage. Instead, she grew in a deeper relationship with Christ and refused him again.

Confronted with another failure to rob her purity, Quintianus imprisoned Agatha in the local brothel, assuming she would lose her virginity and then change her mind. However, she remained steadfast in her purity and faith in that ungodly environment. After a monthlong stay in the brothel, Agatha was summoned before the furious Quintianus, who witnessed her radiating peace and courage, exuding joy at the opportunity to suffer for Christ. Her joyful and peaceful disposition only angered Quintianus further, so he had her stretched on a rack, her flesh torn with iron hoods, whipped, and burned with torches.

Finally, Quintianus ordered that her breasts be twisted, torn, and cut off. After being sent back to prison in a mutilated state, St. Peter appeared to her and miraculously healed her wounds with a father's love. A few days later, Quintianus summoned Agatha again. When she appeared, healed of her wounds, Quintianus was shocked, but his heart remained obstinate. This time, he stripped her clothes and made her roll over sharp stones and burning coals. However, God's wrath erupted, and there was an earthquake. The people were outraged at what Quintianus had done to Agatha and accused him of the earthquake. Again, Quintianus did not budge. After being sent back to prison, Agatha prayed and surrendered her spirit to the Lord. She died a martyr's death in Catania around the year 251 AD. Her courage and unwavering loyalty toward Christ have shone a light on countless people throughout the centuries. 

Saint Agatha, you surrendered your life to Christ, your divine Spouse, and remained faithful till your last breath. Help us to follow your example of devoting our lives to Him above all earthly fears and evils, trusting in Him until the end. Amen.

Prepared and updated by:

Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,

Penampang, Sabah Malaysia.