Saint Agatha was a young Christian woman of Sicily who consecrated her life to Christ and was martyred in Catania around the year 251, during the persecution of the emperor Decius. She is one of the most beloved of the early virgin martyrs, and her name has been spoken in the Roman Canon of the Mass since the earliest centuries of the Church.
Agatha was very young when she gave everything to God, and she held on to her faith with a courage far larger than her years. She reminds us that a short life can still be a whole and radiant gift, and that Christ keeps close to him those who suffer.
Saint Agatha, brave and faithful child of God, pray for us and for all who carry sorrow, that we may trust as you trusted and one day rejoice together in heaven. Amen.Enter today’s Mass → All saints →