Saint Cecilia

 

Monday, 22 November 2010 St. Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr († 230) - Memorial ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: Nivard ... Sent: Sun, 21 November, 2010 20:12:36 Subject: St Cecilia Cecilia, said to Valerian, "Pure be my heart and undefiled my flesh; for I have  a spouse you know not of—an angel of my Lord."      Cecilia said to the Prefect, "Do you not know, that I am the bride of my  Lord Jesus Christ?" The death appointed for her was suffocation, and she  remained a day and a night in a hot-air bath.     The jailer sent to kill her struck the three blows which the law allowed,  and left her still alive. For two days and nights Cecilia lay with her head,  half severed, on the pavement of her bath, fully sensible, and joyfully awaiting  her crown; on the third the agony was over, and in 177 the virgin Saint gave  back her pure spirit to Christ.     We know from paintings and statues that Cecilia was a musician, often  depicted playing the pipe organ. She is the patron of all musicians especially  all who take part in the liturgy of the Church, praising God day and night. She followed in the footsteps of the prophet Daniel, as we heard at Night Office. He was appointed Chief of the musicians at the court of Assyria. He even sang God's praises with his companions in the fiery furnace. Even in a monastery we might sometimes feel that we are singing in a fiery furnace, perhaps when too many notes are discordant!      Let us pray.   Lord of mercy, be close to those who call upon you. With St Cecilia to help  us hear and answer our prayers.    Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with  you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.     Amen Bidding Prayer:               Father, we entrust to you the prayers, sacrifices and efforts we make, without  looking back at what we have done.   Through Christ our Lord. Prayer after Communion, Let us pray.     Lord, may the mysteries we receive give us the spiritual courage which made  your martyr Cecilia faithful in your service and victorious in her suffering.   Grant this in the name of Jesus the Lord.