Cecilia, St.

200-230

Descended from a noble Roman family, she suffered martyrdom for the Christian faith, which she espoused when a very young woman. Is credited with the invention of the organ, which many famous painters, notably Raphael and Carlo Dolci, have pictured her as playing. There are numerous traditions in regard to her skill in music, but early writers make no mention of it. She is generally regarded as the patron saint of sacred music. Odes for St. Cecilia's Day, which is celebrated by the church, November 22, were written by Dryden and Pope and have been set to music by a large number of the older composers. The custom of holding festivals in honor of St. Cecilia obtained for many years in many countries.