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ceciliaCecilia was a Roman martyr in the third century.  Legend makes her a noblewoman who founded a church in Trastevere Rome and was martyred under Marcus Aurelius – when attempts to suffocate her in the bathroom failed, a headsman was sent to behead her.  However, three strokes failed to severe her head and she lingered on for three further days, praying and singing to God.  In the fifth century a basilica dedicated to her was erected in Rome.  She is mentioned in the Roman Canon and venerated as patron of music. – CTS New Daily Roman Missal 2012, p 3169; Christian Prayer 1990, p 1281

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