SAINT AGATHA

Agatha, born in Sicily into a wealthy family,was martyred in Catania in the year 250. Knowing that her life was consecrated to God, magistrate Quintanus used the anti-Christian edict of Emperor Decius to arrest her and then attempted to violate her chastity. Agatha firmly resisted so Quintanus had her breasts mutilated and severed. Legend says that St. Peter appeared and completely healed her wounds. Later, the frustrated Quintanus had her rolled over live coals and she died just as an earthquake struck, causing the magistrate to flee the city.

She is the patron saint of breast cancer, breast disease, earthquakes and fire. Her feast day is Feb. 5.