By: Barbara Yoffie, Illustrated by Katherine Borgatti

As a young woman in Rome more than 200 years after Christ’s resurrection, Cecilia was promised in marriage to Valerian, a non- Christian. On her wedding day, she sang to the Lord, who gave her the strength to remain Christian despite persecution. Saint Cecilia had the courage she needed to live and share her faith with others. Jesus was in her heart, like a happy song that never ends. Cecilia’s feast day is November 22 and she is the patron of church music, musicians, and singers. For ages 4-9.