St. Agatha

St. Agatha lived in 3rd century Italy. She desired to be consecrated to the Lord and remain unmarried and able to be dedicated to a life of prayer. However she had many men who desired her.

This was a time when being a Christian was unlawful. One of these men, Quintianus, turned her in. The judge forced her to live in a brothel. But she still refused to marry. Quintianus had her sent to prison and tortured, and her breasts were cut off but she still would not consent. But the Lord ministered to her and cared for her. Miraculously, her wounds were healed. Quintianus was furious and had her thrown on a fire of hot coals and sharp objects. She perished, praising the Lord.

St. Agatha is the patron saint of breast cancer patients, rape victims, and fire victims. Her feast day is February 5.

These are the mass readings for the Memorial of St. Agatha:

• First reading: Hebrews 13:1-8 – “The Lord is my helper, and I will not be afraid.”
• Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 27 – “The Lord is my light and my salvation.”
• Gospel: Mark 6:14-29 – The beheading of St. John the Baptist