St CeciliaSt. Cecilia is known as the patron saint of music and musicians. She lived sometime between the second century and the fourth century in Rome and was brought up as a Christian.At a young age she decided to devote her life to god and not marry. However, her father married her to a young patrician named Valerian. On her wedding day while her guests were singing and dancing Cecilia sat apart from them singing to God in her heart and praying for help in her predicament.She confessed this to her husband who decided to respect her maidenhood and he was also converted to Christianity. He was later beheaded because he refused to worship the Roman Gods. Cecilia was also asked to repudiate her faith but she refused. Four hundred were baptised in her house by Pope Urban. Eventually she was sentenced to death by suffocation but when this failed she was beheaded.The naming of the school St Cecilia's gives testament to the great tradition of music and singing in our city.
''I am a Roman Noble Lady, and I was brought up a christian. I decided early in life to remain single and unmarried, however, my parents arranged my marriage to a man called Valerian.
He was a kind and good man. He respected my wishes and vow of virginity, and he eventually became a Christian.
I spent my time usefully, converting people to the Christian faith, to a belief in Jesus as their Saviour and Redeemer.
I died a violent death, beheaded a martyr for Christ.
The 22nd November is my Feast Day in the Church's calendar. I am very well known for my love of music and singing''
That is why I have been called:'The Patron Saint of Music and Musicians'