Little is actually known of Saint Agatha's life. Despite that, the legends surrounding her life are full of details that cannot be verified. She has been venerated since ancient times, the story of her torture and death accepted as fact. She is the patron saint of multiple places and causes, her legendary life being invoked to help those in trouble.
Birth and Family Circumstances of Agatha
The date of Agatha's birth is not known or even guessed. The cities of Palermo and Catania (in Sicily) both claim to be the site of Agatha's birth. Supposedly, Agatha was born into an influential — and wealthy — family.
She is also said to have been very beautiful. Her family is rumored to have been Christians who refused to make sacrifice to the Pagan gods, which caused problems in the class of nobility to which they belonged.
How Agatha Became Famous
There are two versions — a Latin and Greek version — of the story of Agatha's life. The Greek version is derived from the Latin one. According to the Latin version, Agatha is said to have dedicated her life to Christ and to remain a virgin. Her great beauty caused a Roman consul by the name of Quintinian to offer marriage.
Due to her vow, she turned him down. Senator Quintinian then had her committed to a brothel, knowing of her vow of virginity. He used either the fact she was a Christian or a charge of her being an evil women to achieve this act. It is reputed that no man would touch her, even in the brothel, due to her faith.
Quintinian also started a campaign of persecution of Christians in the area, supported by Emperor Decian. Emperor Decian led a period of horrible torture and persecution for Christians, which took place around 250 a.d.
Death & Sainthood of Saint Agatha
When his attempt at persecuting Agatha via the brothel failed, Quintinian turned to more direct methods. According to legend, she was then beaten and imprisoned. She was also stretched on the rack. When these proved to have no effect, her breasts were crushed and cut off.
Legend says that Saint Peter appeared and healed her of this last abuse. She then was either forced to walk or rolled naked on a bed of live coals mixed with broken potsherds. During this final torture, she prayed for release, and an earthquake struck Catania at that very moment. Some versions say she died at that moment; others say that Quintinian stopped the public abuse and quietly starved her to death.
Either way, the locals credited the earthquake to God's displeasure over Agatha's torture, instantly making her famous in the local area. Her legend quickly spread throughout Christendom, and she was referenced by many later persons in the Church. Her relics were originally moved to Constantine, but were returned to Catania in approximately 1126 a.d.
Saint Agatha: Patron Saint
The feast day of Saint Agatha is February 5th. She is the patron saint of the following places: Catania, Sicily; Malta; and Zamarramala, Spain. She is the patron saint of the following professions: alpine guides, bell founders, girdlers, jewelers, nurses, shepherdesses, single laywomen, and wet nurses.
Agatha is also the patron saint of the following causes and circumstances: breast disease, earthquakes, eruptions of Mount Etna, fire, fire prevention, martyrs, natural disasters, rape victims, sterility, torture victims, and volcanic eruptions. With the wide area of influence subscribed to Saint Agatha, it is easy to see how she became so well known in ancient times.
A Legend that Persists
Very few of the facts surrounding Saint Agatha's life can be proven. Saint Agatha is an example of a saint who is more legend than fact. Though it is very likely that the woman Agatha lived and suffered some of the above catastrophes, it is impossible to know for sure. Despite the doubt, millions of people around the world and through time have called upon Saint Agatha to help them. Her intercession is credited with much help and many miracles.
Sources:
Guiley, Rosemary Ellen. (2001). The Encyclopedia of Saints. Visionary Living, Inc. Checkmark Books, New York, NY.
Kirsch, J.P. (2007). Agatha, Saint. The Catholic Encyclopedia, 1914. Catholic Answers (2007), San Diego, CA.
Paul, Tessa. (2009). The Illustrated World Encyclopedia of Saints. Lorenz Books, Anness Publishing Ltd. London, UK.
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