Sicilian Culture: Roman Catholic Patron Saint Agatha

St. Agatha

Patron Saint of Bellmakers, Breast Disease, Fire Prevention & Nurses
Feast Day Celebrated on February 5

Died Circa 251 AD

Born in Catania, Sicily, Agatha was a young, beautiful and wealthy Catholic, but she caught the eyes of Magistrate Quinctianus, who was well known for persecution of Christians. She refused him and was beaten and tortured. That horrific torture included the amputation of her breasts. All of these tortures failed to break her spirit and/or denounce her faith. She was then tortured by fire, at that time there was a violent earthquake which was taken as a sign by her torturers who immediately ran. Agatha died with a prayer on her lips.

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