Podcast appearances and mentions of saint agatha

Memorial of Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr. While many Christians know the phrase “offer it up,” Father Dave recalls how an old high school coach used to say “suck it up” in response to hardship. He reminds us that even the most extreme suffering does not keep us from Jesus. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 2-05-25

Homily by Fr. Michael Renninger

Saint Agatha by Cariani (Giovanni Busi) (1485-1547),1516 - 1517National Galleries, Scotland What's in a name? One way to have a new group introduce themselves is to ask them to tell a story of how they got their name. Many are named after family members, but I wasn't; I was named after a Saint. I was raised Roman Catholic and my mother's due date was February 5. In the Roman Catholic calendar that has been the Feast Day of St. Agatha since her death in 271 A.D. Agatha was born in Sicily into a wealthy family and dedicated her life to God. She caught the eye of Quintianus who tried to force her to turn away from her vow and marry him. She consistently refused his proposals until he had her arrested to face torture and possible death. She prayed for courage and refused to abandon her vow to God. She underwent more torture and eventually Quintianus had her breasts cut off. She had a vision of the apostle, St. Peter who comforted her and healed her wounds through prayers. She is the patron saint of Sicily and breast cancer patients. I relish getting to tell my story of I how got my name (although I was a bit early; my birthday is in December). I joined the Episcopal Church in 2008, and St. Agatha was never acknowledged until a calendar revision in 2022. The appointed Collect (brief prayer) for St. Agatha was recited around the world yesterday: Almighty and everlasting God, who strengthened your martyr Agatha with constancy and courage: Grant us for the love of you to make no peace with oppression, to fear no adversity, and to have no tolerance for those who would use their power to abuse or exploit; Through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with you and the Holy Spirit be all honor and glory, now and forever. Amen.I pray that I can aspire to live up to the foundations of my namesake's life in the 3rd century.Blessings, my friend,Agatha

Today's Topics: 1) Gospel - Mark 6:1-6 - Jesus departed from there and came to His native place, accompanied by His disciples. When the sabbath came He began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard Him were astonished. They said, “Where did this Man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given Him? What mighty deeds are wrought by His Hands! Is He not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and the Brother of James and Joseph and Judas and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” And they took offense at Him. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” So He was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying His Hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith. Memorial of Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr Saint Agatha, pray for us! Bishop Sheen quote of the day 2) Archbishop Viganò: An Open Letter to American Catholics, part two https://www.complicitclergy.com/2025/02/02/archbishop-vigano-an-open-letter-to-american-catholics/ 3, 4) USCCB, US Bishops and federal funding: An Open Letter to US Bishops from Bishop Strickland https://cforc.com/2025/01/usccb-the-bishops-and-federal-funding/

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Gospel Mark 6:1-6 Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples. When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him? What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joseph and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith. Reflection Jesus was ordinary. In terms of where he came from, his family background, the town he grew up in. And one might wonder why that happened? I think it's because we need to recognize that each and every one of us, no matter what our position in the world is, have within us the power to continue the ministry of Jesus through the healing power and the wisdom we can share. It's not about our position in the world. It's about our disposition toward what we are here for. And we are here to accomplish the work that flows through us. Closing Prayer Father, we tend to give authority to people who are in positions of power. We need to realize the only real truth. The only thing that gives us any authority is truth. So bless us with an ability to find that truth, to live that truth, and to recognize it really is a person who dwells within us. That's our authority. God inside of us. Guiding us, leading us. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Full Text of ReadingsMemorial of Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr Lectionary: 325The Saint of the day is Saint AgathaSaint Agatha's Story As in the case of Agnes, another virgin-martyr of the early Church, almost nothing is historically certain about this saint except that she was martyred in Sicily during the persecution of Emperor Decius in 251. Legend has it that Agatha, like Agnes, was arrested as a Christian, tortured, and sent to a house of prostitution to be mistreated. She was preserved from being violated, and was later put to death. She is claimed as the patroness of both Palermo and Catania. The year after her death, the stilling of an eruption of Mt. Etna was attributed to her intercession. As a result, apparently, people continued to ask her prayers for protection against fire. Reflection The scientific modern mind winces at the thought of a volcano's might being contained by God because of the prayers of a Sicilian girl. Still less welcome, probably, is the notion of that saint being the patroness of such varied professions as those of foundry workers, nurses, miners and Alpine guides. Yet, in our historical precision, have we lost an essential human quality of wonder and poetry, and even our belief that we come to God by helping each other, both in action and prayer? Saint Agatha is the Patron Saint of: Healing from Diseases of the BreastNurses Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Join Father Kevin Drew as he preaches on this Memorial of Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr. Today's readings First Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 Psalm: Psalm 31:3cd-4, 6 and 8ab, 16bc and 17 Gospel: Luke 9:23-26 Catholic Radio Network

Today is the feast of Saint Agatha. She was a consecrate virgin who was pursued by many men who wanted to marry her. When she refused to marry, she was handed over to be tortured. Father shares her story for us to reflect on.

Send us a textIn this episode, we explore the inspiring life of Saint Agatha, one of the Church's most venerated virgin-martyrs. Known for her unwavering faith, heroic virtue, and miraculous intercession, Saint Agatha's story is a challenge for men today to stand firm in truth, defend purity, and embrace suffering with faith.Key Takeaways:✅ The extraordinary courage of Saint Agatha—how she stood against a corrupt ruler and refused to compromise her faith, even in the face of brutal torture. ✅ The deeper meaning of suffering and sacrifice—how Agatha's endurance teaches us to embrace trials with faith and perseverance. ✅ Why Saint Agatha's witness still matters today—and how her life calls men to rise up, defend purity, and stand unwavering in truth.Notable Quotes:

Live for Christ and you will live!

Memorial of Saint Agatha, Virgin and MartyrLk 9:23-26Jesus said to all,"If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himselfand take up his cross daily and follow me.For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it,but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it."

Mk 6:1-6 Jesus departed from there and came to his native place,accompanied by his disciples.When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue,and many who heard him were astonished.They said, “Where did this man get all this?What kind of wisdom has been given him?What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands!Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary,and the brother of James and Joseph and Judas and Simon?And are not his sisters here with us?”And they took offense at him.Jesus said to them,“A prophet is not without honor except in his native placeand among his own kin and in his own house.”So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there,apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them.He was amazed at their lack of faith.

Virgen and Martyr

Delivered by Father Peter Tukan, SDB from Salesian Don Bosco Gerak in the Diocese of Labuan Bajo, Indonesia. Hebrews 12: 4-7.11-15; Rs psalm 103: 1-2.13-14.17-18a; Mark 6: 1-6 PERSPECTIVE   The theme for our meditation today is: Perspective. Agatha was a virgin who refused to be molested inhumanely, and especially as a woman. She was then tortured and sentenced to death under the power of the Roman emperor Desius, who was a pagan. Saint Agatha inspires us about having a perspective in life. She chose to be a virgin for God, and she persisted in maintaining it even until she was threatened to death, she persevered with her choice.   A point of view includes aspects of where we look at it, the way we see and understand someone or something, and the will to do what we have decided. Perhaps we often follow the general point of view that discipline, guidance, upbringing and teachings are torturous and painful. But according to the letter to the Hebrews, it is God's way of training and educating us. Precisely through it all we will be better and safe.   Jesus Christ appeared in public as a man of extraordinary appeal. There were so many impressions from the people around him that it produced various points of view about Him. His fans, disciples, and enemies viewed Him differently. The demons thought that He could be tempted by all their dirty tactics, but Jesus defeated them. The first apostles once asked: Where do you live Master? They saw that Jesus would give them the assurance of life that could satisfy their souls and bodies.   Today's Gospel tells the story of the perspective of neighbors and relatives about the person and work of Jesus Christ. It turned out that their view of Jesus was very limited and very superficial. Jesus was seen as a part of them. There was nothing special about Him. In essence, this is a point of view to belittle and reject Jesus, even though they knew that He had done a great job in helping and overcoming people's difficulties.   A point of view that we have depends heavily on our own standards of knowledge, wisdom and faith. If we are guided by the Holy Spirit and faith in Jesus Christ, our viewpoint is certainly based on God's will. Of course, we always ask for divine light through prayer and reflection in order to get a good and correct point of view. We must be able to free ourselves from having a negative, narrow or subjective, and destructive point of view. This is certainly not from the light of the Holy Spirit. Don't get used to having this point of view! Let us pray. In the name of the Father... O God, our good Lord, may we always look at You with joy on this day. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit ... In the name of the Father...

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Today's Topics: 1, 2, 3, 4) Gospel - MK 6:53-56 - After making the crossing to the other side of the sea, Jesus and His disciples came to land at Gennesaret and tied up there. As they were leaving the boat, people immediately recognized Him. They scurried about the surrounding country and began to bring in the sick on mats to wherever they heard He was. Whatever villages or towns or countryside He entered, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged Him that they might touch only the tassel on His cloak; and as many as touched it were healed. Memorial of Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr Saint Agatha, pray for us! Bishop Sheen quote of the day Father Charles Murr joins Terry to discuss

Gospel Mark 6:53-56 After making the crossing to the other side of the sea, Jesus and his disciples came to land at Gennesaret and tied up there. As they were leaving the boat, people immediately recognized him. They scurried about the surrounding country and began to bring in the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. Whatever villages or towns or countryside he entered, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed. Reflection One of the things that's clear in the Gospels stories is that Jesus had a hard time finding a way to teach and to preach because of those who longed for what he offered, were longing most especially for his healing power. And what's important about that is that the words of God, the teaching of God that we find in Jesus, the invitation on the part of God to be like Jesus in the world is a healing experience. Everything in the Gospel is about a healing experience, becoming who we really are in doing the work that were really called to do. Closing Prayer Father, no matter what encounter we have with your truth, please open our eyes so that we can see that everything you teach us, everything you ask from us is something that will be about a healing experience. You came to change us, not to tell us what we have to become, but to enable us to become all that you want us to be. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen.

Full Text of ReadingsMemorial of Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr Lectionary: 329The Saint of the day is Saint AgathaSaint Agatha's Story As in the case of Agnes, another virgin-martyr of the early Church, almost nothing is historically certain about this saint except that she was martyred in Sicily during the persecution of Emperor Decius in 251. Legend has it that Agatha, like Agnes, was arrested as a Christian, tortured, and sent to a house of prostitution to be mistreated. She was preserved from being violated, and was later put to death. She is claimed as the patroness of both Palermo and Catania. The year after her death, the stilling of an eruption of Mt. Etna was attributed to her intercession. As a result, apparently, people continued to ask her prayers for protection against fire. Reflection The scientific modern mind winces at the thought of a volcano's might being contained by God because of the prayers of a Sicilian girl. Still less welcome, probably, is the notion of that saint being the patroness of such varied professions as those of foundry workers, nurses, miners and Alpine guides. Yet, in our historical precision, have we lost an essential human quality of wonder and poetry, and even our belief that we come to God by helping each other, both in action and prayer? Saint Agatha is the Patron Saint of: Healing from Diseases of the BreastNurses Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

The location of the Temple in Jerusalem foreshadows its fulfillment in Christ - and in His brothers and sisters, like Saint Agatha.

Join Father Kevin Drew as he preaches on this Memorial of Saint Agatha, virgin and martyr. Today's readings First Reading: 1 Cor 1:26-31 Psalm: Ps 31:3cd-4, 6 and 8ab, 16bc and 17 Gospel: Lk 9:23-26 Catholic Radio Network

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Today is the feast of Saint Agatha a virgin Martyr of the early Church. Agatha is one of four virgins martyred who are mentioned during one of the Eucharistic prayers at Mass. Check out this reflection to learn about this great saint!

ROSARY - JOYFUL MYSTERIES today.  DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET for Monday.

A daily news briefing from Catholic News Agency, powered by artificial intelligence. Ask your smart speaker to play “Catholic News,” or listen every morning wherever you get podcasts. www.catholicnewsagency.com - In a letter addressed to “my Jewish brothers and sisters in Israel” and released Saturday, Pope Francis lamented the “terrible increase in attacks against Jews around the world” that has taken place since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war last October. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256734/in-letter-to-jewish-brothers-and-sisters-pope-francis-laments-terrible-increase-in-attacks-against-jews The bishop of Lourdes, France, says that he has received a “pile of letters” from Catholics all over the world as he considers whether to remove the shrine's mosaics by alleged abuser Father Marko Rupnik. Bishop Jean-Marc Micas of Tarbes and Lourdes told CNA that he hopes to make a decision by this spring. The bishop formed a special commission last year to determine the future of the Rupnik mosaics. “This occupies my mind, my prayer, and my heart every day, especially when I meet victims of abuse,” Micas said. In an interview at the bishop's residence in Lourdes, Micas acknowledged that, for him, this is a “very, very difficult decision to make.” https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256720/lourdes-bishop-says-he-s-received-a-pile-of-letters-regarding-rupnik-mosaics The Vatican Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) released a note on Saturday on discerning the validity of the sacraments. The new document signed by Pope Francis and DDF Prefect Cardinal Victor Fernández is titled “Gestis Verbisque,” or “Deeds and Words.” Fernández wrote in his introduction to the text that the note on the sacraments was written “to help bishops in their task as promoters and custodians of the liturgical life of the particular Churches entrusted to them.” The 11-page text published only in Italian on February 3 reiterates that for all sacraments in the Catholic Church, the “observance of both matter and form has always been required for the validity of the celebration.” https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256732/vatican-doctrine-office-releases-note-on-the-validity-of-the-sacraments Today, the Church celebrates Saint Agatha. Although we have evidece that Agatha was venerated at least as far back as the sixth century, the only facts we have about her are that she was born in Sicily and died there a martyr. Because she was asked for help during the eruption of Mount Etna she is considered a protector against the outbreak of fire. She is also considered the patroness of bellmakers for an unknown reason -- though some speculate it may have something to do with the fact that bells were used as fire alarms. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-agatha-138

Jesus brings comfort to the afflicted, hope to the despairing, and freedom to those oppressed by illness and pain. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john6345/message

Delivered by Father Peter Tukan, SDB from Salesian Don Bosco Community Gerak in Labuan Bajo, Diocese of Ruteng, Indonesia. 1 Kings 8: 1-7.9-13; Rs psalm 132: 6-7.8-10; Mark 6: 53-56 ROOM FOR GOD   The theme for our meditation today is: Room for God. Room intended here is not a place or location. Because in principle, God cannot be conditioned into a place or room. Instead, God is in the space that surrounds and embraces us. That space signifies a presence and an existence. God provides the space and He himself is present in it.   King Solomon and God's people put the ark of the covenant in the dwelling place built specifically for the Lord, but the king cried out in prayer that God would dwell on earth forever with His people. He accompanies, meets, reaches, and associates with everyone in all places which is the same as Jesus Christ does. Space for God is the entire surface of the earth, where all humans dwell.   The room for God of the farthest distance is the cities and villages, whatever distance, which show people flocking to meet Jesus for healing and comfort. We can call this an open public space with distance even tens or hundreds and thousands kilometer.   Jesus reached a place and people knew Him and they immediately approached to greet and talk, say hello or introduce themselves. This we call as Jesus' social space. Surely people cheered because they could look closely at Jesus, wave their hands, and their voices could be heard by Jesus. Some of them had an extraordinary joy and enlightment because of the encounter.   Those who were sick even reach the personal space and the intimate space of Jesus through touching the Lord's hands or they themselves touch Jesus's clothes. Here Jesus teaches that the power of touch is very important for strengthening and healing for their needs and illness. In touching relationship there is no longer visible distance, but love that expresses itself.   It is our body's spaces that allow contact and share of energy from one person to another person. The energy of Jesus enters the sick and they get well. This is a very significant lesson, namely body space, personal space and even our social and public spaces, that are very instrumental for contact with others. The demand for our closeness and presence is very important, because we can share the space of ourselves and this is always a sign of reinforcement and renewal of life. This is the way we present room for God to work through us.   Let's pray. In the name of the Father ... Lord Jesus, teach us always to use all our bodies and our existence to share Your love. Hail Mary ... In the name of the Father ... --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/media-la-porta/message

For 5 February 2024, Memorial of Saint Agatha, Virgin, Martyr, based on Mark 6:53-56

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Memorial of Saint AgathaLk 9:23-26Jesus said to all,"If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himselfand take up his cross daily and follow me.For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it,but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.What profit is there for one to gain the whole worldyet lose or forfeit himself?"

WISDOM WEDNESDAY Special Guest Brother Andre Marie Host of ReConquest show aired only on the Crusade Channel. Follow Brother Andre on GAB and Twitter  - @Brother_Andre HEADLINE: Saint Lucy (304) by The Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary  The 2 Covenants -  Moses was the mediator of the old law. It is very confusing so stop what you are doing and pay attention. This is a point of great confusion. Most assume the old law means the entirety of the Old Testament. The Old Law is the Mosaic Law - 613 individual laws. Most of them are negative. That Mosaic Law none of us could actually keep - They get more specific and discuss the Law of God and Nature. The covenant made w/ Moses was conditioned. It was a bilateral contract and it was violated by the offending party. Because it was violated it was superseded.  This new covenant is the one Jesus Christ established by His blood. Our Lord says this is My blood - echoing but altering Moses Covenant.  Saint Paul - those promises to Abraham and his seed. If you are Christ then you are the seed of Abraham. No ONE, no Christian ever believed that  they both ran at the same time until you got Zionist Christians. The two Covenants couldn't be at the same time. HEADLINE: Yes, Anti-Zionism Is Antisemitism by Dennis Prager I receive Our Lord and Savior when I attend Mass, that by definition makes me NOT a antisemite. Jesus Christ was born a Jew. The Christians who talk about 2 Covenant Theory -  Christians didn't do circumcisions until much later. You just don't cut off healthy tissue. HEADLINE: Santa Lucia by Brian Kelly  As a young girl, Lucy's Catholic faith and devotion to Christ grew strong, and so did her longing to give all the material goods she had to the poor and, like Saint Agatha, she was determined to consecrate her virginity in service to God. These intentions were kept secret by her, for a while, from her mother, but after her father's early death, her mother, Eutychia, began suffering from a serious hemorrhage. Her daughter convinced her to come with her to Catania and ask Saint Agatha for a cure. She agreed, and, upon venerating the martyr's relics, she was cured. So grateful was Eutychia for this miraculous favor that, upon hearing of her daughter's holy resolve, she gave her a Catholic mother's full support. However, there was one problem. Prior to this, and without Lucy's knowledge, her mother had arranged for her to marry a young pagan. When this man noticed Lucy's largess with the poor, he became very upset. Robert Sungenis - he was not a traditionalist. HEADLINE: Episode 401: Catholic Confederates. Guest: Dr. Gracjan Kraszewski

The Supply at Saint Agatha's

First, Brother Richard shares a story of Saint Anthony preaching to the fish. Then we hear about the life of Saint Lucy, virgin martyr, who, inspired by Saint Agatha, bravely held her principles and virtue in the face of cruel tormentors.To support The Flowered Path become a patron at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thefloweredpathAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Full Text of ReadingsFifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 73The Saint of the day is Saint AgathaSaint Agatha's Story As in the case of Agnes, another virgin-martyr of the early Church, almost nothing is historically certain about this saint except that she was martyred in Sicily during the persecution of Emperor Decius in 251. Legend has it that Agatha, like Agnes, was arrested as a Christian, tortured, and sent to a house of prostitution to be mistreated. She was preserved from being violated, and was later put to death. She is claimed as the patroness of both Palermo and Catania. The year after her death, the stilling of an eruption of Mt. Etna was attributed to her intercession. As a result, apparently, people continued to ask her prayers for protection against fire. Reflection The scientific modern mind winces at the thought of a volcano's might being contained by God because of the prayers of a Sicilian girl. Still less welcome, probably, is the notion of that saint being the patroness of such varied professions as those of foundry workers, nurses, miners and Alpine guides. Yet, in our historical precision, have we lost an essential human quality of wonder and poetry, and even our belief that we come to God by helping each other, both in action and prayer? Saint Agatha is the Patron Saint of: Healing from Diseases of the BreastNurses Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

When asked why she lived the servile life of a Christian, she answered: "I am a handmaid of Christ, and that is why I bear the outward appearance of a slave; yet this is the highest nobility, to be a slave to Christ." The governor threatened her with the most dreadful tortures if she did not renounce Christ. Agatha countered: "If you threaten me with wild beasts, know that at the Name of Christ they grow tame; if you use fire, from heaven angels will drop healing dew on me."This Podcast series is available on  all major platforms.See more resources, maps, and information at:https://www.dwworldhistory.comCheckout the video version at:https://www.youtube.com/DWWorldHistoryA PDF Publication is available for this episode at:https://www.patreon.com/DWWorldHistorySupport the show

Saint Agatha was a deaconess and martyr from the early 3rd century, from the city of Catania in Sicily, a large island in the south of Italy.  In this episode we will hear the story of her martyrdom, and discuss how veneration of Saint Agatha developed in medieval times and today.

February 5: Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr c. Third Century Memorial; Liturgical Color: Red (When Lenten Weekday, Optional Memorial; Violet) Patron Saint of Sicily, breast cancer, rape victims, and bellfounders Of all the men drawn to her, she desired only one Pope Saint Gregory the Great reigned as the Supreme Pontiff of the Church from 590–604. His family loved Sicily and had property there, so the young Gregory was familiar with that beautiful island's saints and traditions. When he became Pope, Saint Gregory inserted the names of two of Sicily's most revered martyrs, Agatha and Lucy, into the heart of the Mass, the Roman Canon. Saint Gregory even placed these two Sicilians just before the city of Rome's own two female martyrs, Agnes and Cecilia, who had been part of the Roman Canon for many centuries prior. It was this papal decision that has preserved Saint Agatha's memory more effectively than anything else. Liturgy is inherently conservative and protects the Church's oldest memories. So on the lips of thousands of priests every day are the names of some of the Church's most revered female martyrs: “Felicity, Perpetua, Agatha, Lucy, Agnes, Cecilia, Anastasia, and all the saints.” Not much is known for certain about the life and death of Saint Agatha, but long tradition supplies what primary documents lack. Pope Damasus (366–384) may have composed a poem in her honor, indicating how widespread her reputation was by that early date. Agatha was from a well-off family in Roman Sicily, probably in the third century. After dedicating her life to Christ, her beauty drew powerful men to her like a magnet. But she refused all suitors in favor of the Lord. Perhaps during the persecution of the Emperor Decius around 250, she was arrested, interrogated, tortured, and martyred. She refused to renounce her faith or to give in to the powerful men who desired her. An ancient homily relates: “A true virgin, she wore the glow of a pure conscience and the crimson of the lamb's blood for her cosmetics.” It is also the constant tradition that her torture included sexual mutilation. Saint Lucy is shown in art with her eyeballs on a platter. Saint Agatha is normally shown holding a plate on which rest her own breasts, as they were cut off by her pagan tormentors before her execution. This peculiar image is, in fact, carved into the entrance of Rome's sixth-century church of Saint Agatha, a church re-dedicated by Pope Saint Gregory himself so long ago. Men commit most of the physical violence in the world. And when their victims are women, that violence can be particularly vicious because their victims are so defenseless. The stories of the early male martyrs of the Church relate tales of extreme torture by their Roman captors. But the stories of the women martyrs often relate something more—sexual humiliation. Few male martyrs suffered similar indignities. Saint Agatha and others were not only physically tough to endure the pain they did but also mentally and spiritually powerful to have resisted, to the death, the public embarrassment and degradation particular to them as women. They were the strong ones. Their male captors looked weak. It was Christianity's exaltation of women, children, slaves, prisoners, the old, the sick, the foreigner, and the outcast that caused the vast leaven of the Church to slowly rise in the Mediterranean world. The Church did not create a victim class who complained about a privileged class. The Church preached the dignity of persons. The Church did not even preach equality of individuals or teach that governments must enact laws protecting the unprotected. That is all so modern. The Church spoke in theological language and taught that every man, woman, and child was made in God's image and likeness and so deserved respect. It taught that Jesus Christ died on the Cross for every person. The Church gave, and gives, total answers to total questions, and those answers were, and are, compelling. The Feast of St. Agatha is still massively celebrated on February 5 in Catania, Sicily. Hundreds of thousands of faithful process through the streets in honor of that island's patron saint. The ancient traditions carry on. Saint Agatha, you were a virgin espoused to Christ Himself, a bride of the Lord who preserved herself for Him alone. Your vow to love God above all else hardened you to endure temptation, torture, and degradation. May we be as resolute as you when any type of persecution, however mild, seeks us out.

December 13: Saint Lucy, Virgin and Martyr c. Late third century–304 Memorial; Liturgical Color: Red Patron Saint of virgins, the blind, and Syracuse, Sicily A garden enclosed, no man would lock her in his embrace Today's saint is one of only eight women (Mary included) commemorated in Eucharistic Prayer I: “Felicity, Perpetua, Agatha, Lucy, Agnes, Cecilia, Anastasia, and all the Saints…” It was Pope Saint Gregory the Great (590–604), familiar with the Christian traditions of Sicily through his family, who inserted the names of the Sicilian virgin martyrs, Agatha and Lucy, into the Roman Canon. There is no doubt that an ancient cult to a woman named Lucy is connected with the city of Syracuse, Sicily, and that this devotion spread throughout Europe in the fourth through sixth centuries. Beyond that, however, there is no near-contemporary historical record verifying any facts of Lucy's life or death. It is the preservation of her name in the Mass, more than anything else, which has secured Lucy's place in the Catholic tradition. Saint Lucy was killed during the Diocletian persecution in the early fourth century. Legends long post-dating her death state that Lucy was doomed to execution after a disgruntled pagan admirer exposed her as a Christian. A gruesome medieval addition holds that Lucy gouged out her own eyes prior to her execution to deter a suitor who delighted in their beauty. Another tradition states that Lucy could not be dragged to her execution site even by a team of oxen, so the guards piled wood all around her to devour her flesh with flames—but the kindling refused to ignite! Frustrated, one of the soldiers then thrust his sharp sword deep into her throat, bringing her brief life to a grisly end. It is likely that since Lucy was born to Christian parents, she went on pilgrimage as a child to the shrine of Saint Agatha, a fellow Sicilian, in nearby Catania. Perhaps the witness of the virgin martyr Agatha, who perished about fifty years prior to Lucy's time, inspired little Lucy to be similarly heroic when her own hour came. One legend states that Agatha appeared to Lucy in a dream, telling her that one day she, Lucy, would be the glory of Syracuse. For over a millennium, Lucy's Feast Day of December 13 fell very close to the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. But the Gregorian calendar reform of 1582 corrected a ten-day drift between the calendar and scientific reality, leaving December 13 now eight days before the Solstice. Lucy's symbolic resonance as a source of light in a dark season persists, despite the calendar correction distancing her feast day from winter's blackest hour. Somewhat curiously, Sweden's long-dormant Catholic heritage reasserts itself on December 13, a long winter night when Swedes gladly celebrate a saint whose Latin name evokes light and purity. As the age of martyrdom waned with Christianity's legalization, the untouched body of the virgin, not a bloody death, became the most potent expression of Christian sacrifice. The virgin's body was the untouched desert. It bore the wax seal of the soul's original, untarnished perfection and was a precious gift blessed by Christ. The intact flesh of all celibates, virgins, and continent men and women stood out as oases of freedom in a world otherwise enslaved by carnal desire. Virgins such as Lucy were the pride of the early Church, the unplucked harps whose self-control was a cause of wonder to the broader pagan society. The virgin's uncorrupted body was like a human votive candle, its pure flame burning through the long night of the world until Christ slowly dawned over the horizon at His Second Coming. That such a refined blue flame was so abruptly blown out by the executioner's breath was shocking and memorable. We remember it still today. Saint Lucy, you died young and innocent, unfamiliar with the world save for its savagery. May your double martyrdom, to the flesh and to life itself, inspire all youth to see Christ and His promises as worth sacrificing to attain.

An early Christian virgin martyr, Saint Agatha was tortured and tormented – but she answered these abuses with clever and righteous words which, it was said, tortured her captors hearts and minds more than the iron hooks, burning coals, and sharp blades from which Saint Agatha suffered. If you would like to help support The Flowered Path, become our patron at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thefloweredpathAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of "Our Sacred History," Henry talks about the patron saint of sh*tposting, Saint Agatha. Source: Allen J. Frantzen's "When Women Aren't Enough" (lol)Music used: "Asuras" by Digital Mind ProjectFrancisco de Zurbarán's Saint AgathaFollow us on Twitter @totallytranspodGet bonus content on https://www.patreon.com/totallytransBuy our merch RedBubbleSupport the show

Fr. Roger J. Landry Cathedral of Saint Agatha, Catania, Sicily Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year C May 8, 2022 Acts 13:14.43.52, Ps 100, Rev 7:9.14-17, Jn 10:27-30   To listen to an audio recording of today’s homily, please click below:  https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/catholicpreaching/5.8.22_Homily_1.mp3   The following points were attempted in the homily: On the Fourth Sunday of […] The post Relating as Good Sheep to the Good Shepherd and Imitating His Shepherdly Care, Fourth Sunday of Easter (C), May 8, 2022 appeared first on Catholic Preaching.

Memorial of Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr

Saint Agatha, Virgin, Martyrc. Third CenturyFebruary 5—Memorial (Optional Memorial if Lenten Weekday)Liturgical Color: Red (Purple if Lenten Weekday)Patron Saint of Sicily, breast cancer, rape victims, and bellfoundersOf all the men drawn to her, she desired only onePope Saint Gregory the Great reigned as the Supreme Pontiff of the Church from 590–604. His family loved Sicily and had property there, so the young Gregory was familiar with that beautiful island's saints and traditions. When he became Pope, Saint Gregory inserted the names of two of Sicily's most revered martyrs, Agatha and Lucy, into the heart of the Mass, the Roman Canon. Saint Gregory even placed these two Sicilians just before the city of Rome's own two female martyrs, Agnes and Cecilia, who had been part of the Roman Canon for many centuries prior. It was this papal decision that has preserved Saint Agatha's memory more effectively than anything else. Liturgy is inherently conservative and protects the Church's oldest memories. So on the lips of thousands of priests every day are the names of some of the Church's most revered female martyrs: “Felicity, Perpetua, Agatha, Lucy, Agnes, Cecilia, Anastasia, and all the saints.”Not much is known for certain about the life and death of Saint Agatha, but long tradition supplies what primary documents lack. Pope Damasus, who reigned from 366–384, may have composed a poem in her honor, indicating how widespread her reputation was by that early date. Saint Agatha was from a well-off family in Sicily in Roman times, probably in the third century. After dedicating her life to Christ, her beauty drew powerful men to her like a magnet. But she refused all suitors in favor of the Lord. Perhaps during the persecution of the Emperor Decius around 250, she was arrested, interrogated, tortured, and martyred. She refused to renounce her faith or to give in to the powerful men who desired her. An ancient homily relates: “A true virgin, she wore the glow of a pure conscience and the crimson of the lamb's blood for her cosmetics.”It is also the constant tradition that her torture included sexual mutilation. Whereas Saint Lucy is shone in art with her eyeballs on a platter, Saint Agatha is normally shown holding a plate on which rest her own breasts, as they were cut off by her pagan tormentors before her execution. This peculiar image is, in fact, carved into the wall over the entrance to the sixth century church of Saint Agatha in Rome, a church re-dedicated by Pope Saint Gregory himself so long ago.Men commit most of the physical violence in the world. And when their victims are women, that violence can be particularly vicious because their victims are so defenseless. The stories of the early male martyrs of the Church relate tales of extreme torture by their Roman captors. But the stories of the women martyrs often relate something more—sexual humiliation. No male martyrs are known to have suffered similar indignities. Saint Agatha and others were not only physically tough to endure the pain they did, but also mentally and spiritually powerful to have resisted to the death the public embarrassment and degradation particular to them as women. They were the strong ones. It was their male captors who looked weak.It was Christianity's exaltation of women, children, slaves, prisoners, the old, the sick, the foreigner, and the outcast that caused the vast leaven of the Church to slowly rise in the Mediterranean world. The Church did not create a victim class who complained about a privileged class. The Church preached the dignity of persons. The Church did not even preach equality of individuals or teach that governments must enact laws protecting the unprotected. That is all so modern. The Church spoke in theological language and taught that every man, woman, and child was made in God's image and likeness and so deserved respect. It taught that Jesus Christ died for every person on the cross. The Church gave, and gives, total answers to total questions, and those answers were, and are, compelling. The Feast of Saint Agatha is still massively celebrated on February 5 in Catania, Sicily. Hundreds of thousands of faithful process through the streets in honor of that island's patron saint. The ancient traditions carry on.Saint Agatha, you were a virgin espoused to Christ himself, a bride of the Lord who preserved herself for Him alone. Your vow to love God above all else hardened you to endure temptation, torture, and degradation. May we be as resolute as you when any type of persecution, however mild, seeks us out.