Feast of St. Cecilia (Saint Lucia)
The Feast of St. Cecilia, celebrated on November 22, is a significant public holiday in Saint Lucia, a small Caribbean nation with a predominantly Roman Catholic population. This day honors St. Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians, reflecting the local culture's deep appreciation for music and celebration. The historical context of Saint Lucia, having been colonized alternately by the French and British, influences its vibrant cultural practices, particularly evident in the festive street parties and musical events held in the capital, Castries.
St. Cecilia is revered for her commitment to faith and music, having lived in the first century A.D. despite being forced into marriage against her will. During her wedding, she is said to have sung quietly in praise of God, setting the foundation for her association with music. Her legacy includes the conversion of her husband and his brother, both of whom were martyred, leading to her own martyrdom after resisting renunciation of her faith. The day is celebrated with various musical tributes, reflecting her lasting impact on the culture of Saint Lucia and the joy found in community celebrations.
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Feast of St. Cecilia (Saint Lucia)
Feast of St. Cecilia (Saint Lucia)
The Feast of St. Cecilia on November 22 is a public holiday in the small island nation of Saint Lucia. Saint Lucia is located in the Caribbean and has a population of approximately 160,000 people. The capital and largest city is Castries, with roughly 60,000 inhabitants. Some 90 percent of the population is Roman Catholic. First colonized by Europeans in the 17th century, Saint Lucia alternated between French and English control with Great Britain finally achieving the upper hand in 1814. For all practical purposes Saint Lucia is an independent nation today, although its nominal ruler is still the reigning monarch of Britain. The island's culture is casual and festive, with many street parties and other events held on a regular basis in Castries. Therefore it is not surprising that St. Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians, is particularly popular in this Catholic nation, her feast day being enjoyed with musical events and other celebrations.
Cecilia was born of a wealthy family at around the first century a.d. She pledged her virginity to God, but her parents forced her to marry a man named Valerian of Trastevere. During the ceremony, rather than sing the profane accompanying music, Cecilia is said to have sung praise to God quietly and asked for his help—hence her later assignment as patron saint of music and musicians. Once she was married, Cecilia managed to convert her husband to Christ, followed by his brother. The two men were martyred for their faith, and when Cecilia buried them, she was arrested and ordered to renounce Christ in favor of the Roman gods. She refused and was martyred, first by hanging, which failed to kill her, and then by beheading. Cecilia's body was moved to the Church of St. Cecilia in Rome in 817, and her body was discovered to be incorrupt when her tomb was opened in 1599.