Saint Agata: from martyr to protector against breast diseases

With the arrival of October, the issue of breast cancer is discussed again – but for those who suffer from the disease or have relatives or friends undergoing treatment for this cancer, this is a topic for any time of the year. Glad we can find comfort in Santa Agata.

Santa Ágata (or Santa Águeda de Catania, as she is also known) is the patron saint of patients undergoing breast cancer treatment, as well as of doctors specializing in mastology. Her day is celebrated on February 5th, the date of her death, in the year 251 AD

Discover the prayer and story of Saint Agatha, who suffered a cruel death, but who today greatly blesses women and teaches us that nothing is more important than faith.

History of Santa Agata

Saint Agatha would have been born around the year 235 in the city of Catania, in southern Italy — hence, she is also known as Agueda of Catania. The city was not small and had political importance at the time, so much so that it had a Roman governor: Quintian, a man known for his arrogance, selfishness and desire for power.

The story tells that Águeda de Catania belonged to a noble family in the region, who professed the Christian faith — however, in this period, Christianity was under strong persecution. When he turned 15, Águeda felt in his heart the call to dedicate himself totally to God. The bishop of the city accepted her request and made her join the list of consecrated virgins.

Águeda was a very beautiful young woman, and she caught Quinciano’s attention. The governor of Catania tried to seduce her several times, but Águeda remained firm in her faith and devotion to God.

This kindled Quintian’s wrath; knowing that she was a Christian, he started a process against Águeda, who was interrogated and tortured. The cruelest act was to rip Águeda’s breasts off.

After this terrible torture session, Águeda was thrown into prison. It is said that there she was visited by St. Peter, who came with a boy. He healed her sore breasts.

A few days later, Águeda was again taken for interrogation by the governor of Catania. Seeing her recovered and with even more unshakable faith, Quintian was seized with rage and ordered her to be burned alive. It is said that at the time Águeda of Catania was burned, there was a strong earthquake and the veil she wore was not consumed by fire, becoming a relic of protection for the Christian community.

Santa Agata: date and celebrations

Image of Santa Agata

Saint Agatha’s Day is celebrated on February 5th. The date refers to an event that took place a year after Águeda’s death: a great fire, which started in the mountains near Catania and continued towards the village.

Desperate, the people of Catania turned to Saint Agatha: they went to her sepulcher, collected her veil and held it towards the flames, which died on February 5th.

There is evidence that the cult of Saint Agatha emerged from antiquity. She is represented with her breasts on a tray, and has become the patron saint of women who suffer from breast diseases, especially breast cancer, and of mastologists, doctors who are dedicated to the study and treatment of the mammary glands.

In Catania, between the 3rd and the 5th of February, there is an annual festival that celebrates the life of Saint Agatha. In it, around 5,000 people carry carriages containing the martyr’s relics, while thousands of other faithful accompany the procession.

In southern Germany and Austria, loaves of bread are baked in the form of small breasts and are blessed on the 5th or the day before, so that they are effective against breast diseases, fever and burns. Its crumbs are scattered throughout homes to prevent fires.

Prayer to Saint Agatha or Saint Águeda

If you or someone you love is suffering from a breast disease, or if you want your health and that of other women to be protected, ask for the intercession of Saint Agata in prayer:

O glorious virgin and martyr, Saint Agatha (Saint Águeda),

that not to betray the faith in Jesus Christ

you preferred to have your breasts ripped off in martyrdom

and miraculously healed in prison,

look after your daughters who,

full of confidence, they turn to you.

You who knew how to keep yourself whole before God,

frees us from the temptation to change our faith

by passing values ​​that distance us from God.

Young that you were, free our young people from drugs,

consumerism, prostitution

and all types of exploitation.

And as you said to your torturer:

“Are you not ashamed to mutilate a woman

what did your mother give you to take food from him?”

deliver us from all the evils of the breast so that,

every day, living as true Christians,

we can say with you:

“I have in my soul the breasts intact,

with which I nourish all my senses

which from childhood I consecrated to Christ Jesus.”

Amen.

Discover the history and prayers of other saints on the blog: