Nov 22 – Memorial for St. Cecilia, virgin, martyr
St. Cecilia (d. 117) was a cultivated young patrician woman, whose ancestors loomed large in Rome’s history. She vowed her virginity to God, but her parents married her to Valerian of Trastevere. She told her new husband that she was accompanied by an angel, but in order to see it, he must be purified. He agreed to the purification and was baptized. Returning from the ceremony, he found her in prayer accompanied by a praying angel. The angel placed a crown on each of their heads, and offered Valerian a favour; the new convert asked that his brother be baptized.
The two brothers developed a ministry of giving proper burial to martyred Christians. In their turn, they were arrested and martyred for their faith. Cecilia buried them at their villa on the Appian Way, and was arrested for the action. She was ordered to sacrifice to false gods, and when she refused, she was martyred in her turn.
She was suffocated for a while and when that didn’t kill her, she was beheaded. Her grave was discovered in 817, and her body removed to the Church of St. Cecilia in Rome. The tomb was opened in 1599 and her body was found to be incorrupt.
The Acta of Cecilia includes the following: “While the profane music of her wedding was heard, Cecilia was singing in her heart a hymn of love for Jesus, her true spouse.” It was this phrase that led to her association with music, singers, musicians, etc.
- Patron Saint Index
1 Mac 6:1-13
Lk 20:27-40
I will rejoice in your saving help, O Lord.
Each month, we have a 2nd Saturday overnight vigil in our centre from 11pm through to Sunday morning, with mass celebrated by our beloved Spiritual Director, Msgr Peter at 5am. This ‘project’ began in September last year and Msgr Peter had envisaged doing 20 vigils at the start. As things evolved and the ‘fruits’ became obvious, Msgr has directed for the vigils to continue indefinitely.
Because of my regular commitment to singing with my choir at 7am Sunday mass each week, I rarely ever stay through the whole vigil, usually leaving around 2am to get some shuteye before rising again at 5.20am to head to my parish. This month, however, I made a commitment to stay right through the entire vigil. This also gave me a chance to play my violin for some segments, where I felt it was appropriate.
Brothers and sisters, today we celebrate the feast of St Cecilia, who is associated with musicians and singers. I have shared previously on how my faith journey is anchored on music and looking back to Sept last year when we were directed to start these vigils, I can see how God has blessed this endeavour with His abundant providence. Each month, as the Core Team agonised over who would step up to ‘volunteer’ and lead the different prayer segments each hour, we worried if we would garner enough support and if, subsequently, the five of us would suffer from ‘vigil burnout’. Thankfully, after about 6 months, we started to see some seeds sprouting and today, we have already identified a next group of members to take over so that we can step back and ‘shadow’ the others.
As for musicians, He has somehow always sent a keyboardist and/or guitarist with the heart of service. As I played my violin that morning during a segment, I felt a stirring in my heart…that all would be well and that He would provide, as long as we remained steadfast and faithful to Him.
Just last week, I committed to acoustic guitar lessons for next year. Yup, I have embarked on yet another learning journey and I am excited to see where He leads me. The ‘call’ happened in August, when I started a beginner programme with a school rooted in Christian values and teach through praise & worship songs. Next year, I have decided to venture forth towards a more secular school, just to expand my horizons a bit more. And to finally learn an instrument that my late father used to enjoy playing, and one which my nephew has attained a diploma in. More importantly, I pray that this journey will lead me to places which will enhance and improve my depth of knowledge and, hopefully, open new doors to me.
“Persevere through challenges, for your music is a testament to your strength.” – Unknown
(Today’s OXYGEN by Desmond Soon)
Prayer: Abba Father, You always know what’s best for us and continue to provide, in spite of our sinfulness. Be with us as we journey through our daily challenges and struggles. We look to you as our constant cheerleader and source of strength.
Thanksgiving: Thank You, Lord, for the gift of faith and the example of St Cecilia, who remained steadfast in love for You. Thank You for your constant moulding and shaping of our faith through your infinite love for each and every one of us.
OXYGEN 
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