Agatha was born to a noble family in Sicily around the year 231. Having consecrated herself to a life of chastity in service of Christ, she rejected the advances of Quintianus, a Roman prefect who pursued her both out of desire and to seize her family's wealth. When she refused him and would not renounce her Christian faith, he had her subjected to severe torture, including, according to tradition, the mutilation of her breasts, before she died in prison around the year 251.
Agatha became one of the most venerated martyrs of the early Church, especially in Sicily, where she is honored as a principal patroness. Because of the specific nature of her suffering, she has long been invoked as a patron of those affected by breast cancer and other illnesses of the breast.
Saint Agatha of Sicily
Virgin and Martyr
A young Sicilian noblewoman tortured and martyred in the third century for refusing the advances of a Roman official and rejecting the pagan gods.
- Born
- 231
- Died
- 251
- Birthplace
- Catania or Palermo, Sicily
- Died in
- Catania, Sicily
- Country
- Italy
- Century
- 3rd century
- Invoked for
- Cancer
Categories
Why People Pray to Saint Agatha of Sicily
Saint Agatha is invoked by those facing breast cancer or other breast-related illness, and by those seeking healing and courage through suffering.
