Saint Cecilia

Cecilia, Saint, early martyr of the Christian church, in 2nd or 3rd century Rome. According to legend, she converted St. Valerian and his brother Tiburtius. The Roman prefect Almachius ordered her burned to death for distributing goods to the poor. Tradition says that she was beheaded when her body would not burn. Though her authenticity is doubted, she continues to be popular and is represented on the church calendar (Nov. 22). She is considered the patron saint of music.

See also: Christianity.