Saint Agatha of Sicily

Saint Agatha (c. 231–251) is one of the most venerated virgin‑martyrs of the early Church, remembered especially for her heroic faith during the Decian persecution and for the miracles associated with her intercession. Her feast day is February 5, which—fittingly for today—is celebrated with great solemnity in Sicily and throughout the Catholic world.

Life and Martyrdom

• Birth: c. 231, in Catania or Palermo, Sicily
• Family: Tradition holds she was born into a wealthy, noble Christian family.
• Vocation: Consecrated herself to Christ as a virgin, dedicating her life to prayer and service.
• Persecution:

• • During the Decian persecution (250–253), the Roman official Quintianus attempted to force her to abandon her vow and marry him.
  • When she refused, he subjected her to brutal tortures, including the infamous mutilation of her breasts.

• Miracle in Prison:

• • While imprisoned without medical care, she received a vision of St. Peter, who healed her wounds.
• Death: She died shortly after further torture, around 251 AD, traditionally believed to have passed away after an earthquake interrupted her execution.

Veneration and Legacy

• Feast Day: February 5
• Canonization: Pre‑Congregation; her cult was confirmed by Pope Gregory the Great.
• Mention in the Roman Canon: She is one of the few women named in the Eucharistic Prayer I.
• Burial: Her relics are venerated at the Badia di Sant’Agata in Catania.

Symbols & Iconography

Saint Agatha is often depicted with:

• Palm branch (martyrdom)
• Pincers or a plate with her severed breasts (symbol of her torture)
• Veil (associated with miraculous protection of Catania from volcanic eruptions)
• Red or white garments (martyrdom and purity)

Patronages

She is the patron saint of:

• Breast cancer patients
• Nurses
• Rape victims
• Bellfounders
• Bakers
• Catania, Malta, San Marino, Molise, and several towns in Italy and Spain
• Protection against fire, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions, especially Mount Etna

Miracles and Devotion

• After her death, a veil associated with Agatha was used to stop lava flows from Mount Etna, beginning a long tradition of invoking her protection against natural disasters.
• Her feast in Catania is one of the largest religious festivals in the world, drawing hundreds of thousands of pilgrims.

A Prayer for A Healthy Mind, Body, and Soul

O most Holy Virgin, immaculate in body and spirit, look kindly on me as I implore your powerful intercession.

O most Holy Mother, receive my prayers as I present them to God. (state your intentions here)

O Mary, Mother of Jesus and our Mother, you intercede for us with your Son. O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.Amen.

Prayer to St. Agatha, Patron Saint of Breast Cancer

Saint Agatha, blessed virgin and martyr. You are honored as the patron of breast cancer. You suffered pain and torture in your devotion to the Lord. Protect me from breast cancer and intervene before God almighty, and pray for me so that I may be cured. Heal me and comfort me, and mercifully grant me protection from all cancer. Saint Agatha, pray for me. Amen.

Prayer to Saint Agatha

Patroness against breast disease
Lord God,
You showered heavenly
on the virgin Agatha.
the prayers of those who recall
her devoted life and who ask
her to intercede for them
in their necessity.
(petition).
Help us imitate her virtues
during our earthly life
and enjoy eternal happiness
with her in heaven.
Amen

Prayer to St. Agatha, Patroness of Breast Cancer Patients

St. Agatha, woman of valor,
from your own suffering we have been moved
to ask your prayers for those of us who suffer from breast cancer.
We place (person’s name) before you,
and ask you to intercede on their behalf.
From where you stand in the health of life eternal,
all wounds healed,
and all tears wiped away,
pray for (prayer intention),
and all of us.
Pray God will give us His holy benediction of health and healing.
And, we remember you were a victim of torture
and that you learned, first hand,
of human cruelty and inhumanity.
We ask you to pray for our entire world.
Ask God to enlighten us
with a “genius for peace and understanding.”
Ask Him to send us His Spirit of Serenity,
and ask Him to help us share
that peace with all we meet.
From what you learned
from your own path of pain,
ask God to give us the Grace we need
to remain holy in difficulties,
not allowing our anger
or our bitterness to overtake us.
Pray that we will be more peaceful and more charitable.
And from your holy pace in our mystical body, the Church,
pray that we, in our place and time will, together,
create a world of justice and peace.
Amen.

A Prayer For Special Intention

O glorious Saint Agatha, through whose intercession in Christ I hope for the restored health of body and soul hasten to lead me to the true Good, God alone. By your intercession O blessed Agatha, may I ever enjoy your protection by faithfully witnessing to Christ. You invite all who come to you to enjoy the treasure of communion with the Holy Trinity. Moreover, if it be for God’s greater glory and the good of my person, please intercede for me with the request of [mention request here].