The story of saint Secelia - The Patron Saint for Musicians

If the winner is announced before the game is actually played, then the thrill of the game is lost. If our life unfolds the flower of future events before its due time, then the thrill of living it will be lost. Here is the life of a priest with such a similar thrilling experience. One fine morning, a priest named Venice, who belonged to Jesuit church, opened his eyes. He was working in Florence, Italy. He never knew that on that day a nightingale would come and turn the rest of his life upside down. This city of Florence has a remarkable historical background. The marble stones which were used to build the Vatican palace were brought from this city Florence. The great artist and sculptor Michel Angelo’s artistic statues were carved out of the stones brought from Florence city. Even the grave of the great artist Michel Angelo is Located in the Florence city.

The rector of the convent had called father Venice and he went and met the rector.  

The rector said, “Father Venice, I am going to hand over a great responsibility to you. You have to arrange for a three day retreat for our noviciates. The training topic should be explaining the, our father in heaven prayer of  Pather Nosther. [ Our father in heaven ].You should throw more light and insight on our heavenly father and about heaven. I think this will be possible for you. If you have any objection you are free to express, since it is not a compulsion.”

Father Venice replied, “I have no objection to this and I thank you for giving assigning me this duty. Moreover this is a good opportunity for me to understand better about the heavenly kingdom. But I need to collect more information about the topic. Give me three days time for preparation.”

The rector replied, “It is not an emergency. The retreat begins only next week and you have enough time for preparation.”

Father Venice took leave from the rector and entered his room. He took his diary and started to write the date as 19.7.1600, and that day’s schedule. Then he wrote down all the necessary information required for the retreat topic. At that time a nightingale came and sat down on his table and sang a song in its sweet voice.  Father Venice was surprised to see the nightingale and recorded that incident also in his diary. The very moment, Father Venice was captured by the enchanting songs sung by the nightingale. Father Venice stopped writing. He did not even close the pen. The nightingale started to fly out of his room and father Venice followed it. At this time he was 40 years of age. After this incident father Venice disappeared. He was not to be found any more, neither in his room, nor in the convent and no more in history itself. Al the efforts taken in search of him turned out to be a failure.

250 BC Rome

In one of the main streets of Rome was a big house in which lived the proud parents of a beautiful young girl, who was worthy to be seated on the throne of Rome. This young girl’s name was Seceeli who was of awesome beauty. The girl’s parents decided to search a suitable partner for her to be married.

Secelia’s mother said, “Dear Secelia, you are now in the right age of getting married, but I am puzzled with your unwillingness.”

Secelia replied “Oh mom, I am not at all interested in marriage. I am happy with my life and my music and I want to live the rest of my life in the same way. Please do not disturb me. Oh my, I was about to sing this song in this tune and now I forgot it because you interrupted. Now I have to start from the beginning.”

At that moment a nightingale came from somewhere and perched itself on Secelia’s shoulder and started to sing a new tune with its sweet voice. Secelia was soaked in that tune and sang that song in a new tune.

Secelia started to sing. “Sing a new song unto the Lord…. Hallelujah….. Hallelujah…. Sing the greatness of the Lord with the sound of the trumpet….. Hallelujah…… Halleujah.  Somehow the song is complete now. Thank God mom, this nightingale came and has reminded me of a new tune. How is the song mom? Does the tune sound good?” asked Sceelia leaning on her mother’s shoulder.

Sceelia’s mother replied “Oh my dear Sceelia, your song is good to listen to, but the entry of this nightingale is what makes me feel a little worried. According to our Roman and Greek epics, the entry of a nightingale is not a good omen, it is often considered as the beginning of sufferings. If you continue to keep on singing like this then you will soon turn to be old and that will be the end of your marriage. You can’t give me any more excuses. If I get a good partner, I will arrange for your marriage. Now it is time for me to go and prepare food and complete my house hold work.”

After this the nightingale used to come every day and there was a musical feast. In this, one would often wonder whether it was Secelia or the nightingale that was singing, and is left up to the decision of the person who heard it. One day Secelia was singing with her honey soaked voice completely forgetting her in the song she sang, and in between the voice of the nightingale was also heard and it was accompanied with the music of tambourines. In a nutshell it sounded like a music feast of a great musician and his troop. Since this music was heard on the street outside the house, all those who passed by were drenched in the shower of this sweet music. Amidst these passerby’s was young Lord Valarion, who was no exception to be carried away by this sweet music. Once this music feast was over, Valarion entered Secelia’s house and introduced himself. Secelia’s mother developed favoritism towards him at the first sight. She introduced him to Secelia. Valarion spoke out his heart to Secelia.

He said “Beloved Secelia, your voice is like that of a thousand nightingales singing together and you have captured me by your songs. From where did you acquire this great knowledge of music? There was some kind of an urge from within me to ask you this and so I asked. Who was the one who played the tambourine along with you? I heard the voice of a nightingale too. Is it this same nightingale which is here? ”

With these words he appreciated her. But Secelia did not give an acceptable reply. Secelia was not much interested in talking to him and she expressed this to him.

Secelia said “Thanks for your compliments. I do not sing for men, I sing for God which satisfies my soul. I once again thank you for your compliments, and request you to take leave now. Can you do me one more great favour?”

“Dear, I am at your service. I will do anything you ask me to do, go on and ask now” replied Valarion.

“Respected Lord, please do not visit my house or me anymore, this is the greatest favour you could do for me” replied Secelia.

Valarion did not expect this reply and took leave with great disappointment.  But Secelia’s mother met him and promised him that she would somehow win Secelia’s favour for him. With this confidence Valarion went to Secelia’s house the following day. By this time Secelia’s mother had convinced her and got her consent to meet Valarion and his family and have a formal marriage discussion. Her mother greeted Valarion and his family. Secelia called Valarion aside and spoke to him.

 “Respected sir, can you spend a few minutes for me?” asked Secelia.  They both spoke in person for some time.

At that time Secelia said “Dear, kindly do not mistake me for what I am going to say. I am not interested in this marriage. It is just to fulfill the desire of my mother I had to accept this marriage proposal. Why did you take so much of an interest in me? Did I not tell you not to come and meet? Then why did you come once again?”

“Oh Secelia, don’t you know? When a girl refuses for marriage a man takes interest in her. From the moment I saw you; you have filled my thoughts and heart. Your memories rule me. Your sweet music and honey soaked voice fills my ears and will remain there forever. I was even tortured by the voice of the nightingale. As it is said in Greek mythology my situation is the same as that of Hercules the great. It is all because of the nightingale named Philomela” said Valarion.

Secelia was curious to know about the Philomela nightingale and asked Valarion about it. “Oh Secelia, I will compare you also to a nightingale. I am surprised that you do not know the sweet singer Philomela. Let me tell it in short.”

So saying, Valarion started to tell the story of Philomela. Once upon a time, king Panthiyan ruled Athens in Greece. He had a daughter by the name Prokniee. Once king Panthiyan faced great danger from his enemies and he won them with the help of king Dairu of Trance. In gratitude for the assistance rendered by Dairu in the battle, Panthiyan gave his daughter in marriage to him. Things were fine for the next five  years. They had a son Itys. Prokniee wished to see her sister Philomela. So she asked her husband to make arrangements for Philomela to come and visit them. But during the sea voyage, Philomela fell in love with the ship’s captain. Dairu had a one sided love for Philomela. Now when he came to know about the love affair of Philomela and the captain, his anger got steered up since his wish to marry her (Philomela) was shattered.  So in his anger, he beheaded the ship captain and threw him in the sea, and raped Philomela. He feared that Philomela would tell people what had happened to her and so he cut off her tongue. Once he reached his country, he imprisoned Philomela all alone in a forest. He came to his palace and told his wife Prokniee that her sister died in the ship due to sickness, and hence her body was thrown into the sea. But Philomela somehow met an old woman in the forest and narrated all that had happened to her and sought her help to tell this to her sister Prokniee, the queen. According to the custom of that island, Dionesian festival was celebrated. According to that festival on a particular day of the year the women of the island will be let free. They can sing, dance, have drinks and enjoy all sorts of amusements. This old woman met the queen who had come for the festival and told her that her sister Philomela was still alive and all that had happened to her. Shocked to hear this, Prokniee wanted to take revenge on her husband and so killed her son Iyets. She brought her sister along with her to the palace. Now Dairus could no longer cover up his lies and so tried to kill his wife and her sister. One of the forest fairies, whose anger was aroused by what Dairus was doing, turned Prokniee into a bird and Philomela into a nightingale and saved them from Dairus. From that day this nightingale is called as Philomela nightingale. This nightingale sings songs, lamenting the death of its beloved lover. If it likes someone it will start to sing and the person will not be able to escape from its sweet voice. They will be enchanted in its voice and will follow it. Similarly the great hero Hercules was caught in the sweet voice of this nightingale. Since he feared that he would jump into the ocean and follow this nightingale, he asked his ship captain to tie him up to the mast, so he will not be able to follow it. But now I have been enchanted by the voice of this sweet nightingale Secelia and bound by it. There is only difference between Hercules and me. Hercules wanted to escape from the Philomela nightingale. But I do not want to escape from you, your matchless beauty, honey soaked voice and I wish to be bound in your love forever” said Valorine.

Sceelia said “My dear, the story is good. But let us come to the present. I will tell you the truth now. I am not interested in married life and making love. You can’t expect any pleasure from our married life and me. This is for sure. I will not compel you anymore. The choice is yours now.”

Valarion replied “Secelia, Did you ever say you loved someone, and know he didn’t care?                                              
                                                 Did you ever feel like crying, and know you will get nowhere?                                   
                                                 Did you ever look into his heart, and wish you were there?                                     
                                                 Did you ever see him dancing when all the lights were low?                              
                                                Did you ever whisper ‘God I love him’ and couldn’t let him know?                    
                                                 If you fall in love my dear, you’ll find it doesn’t pay.                                            
                                                Although it causes heartache, it happens every day.                                                    
                                                You’ll wonder where he is at night, and if he’s thinking of you,                                             
                    One moment you’ll be happy, the next you will be blue.                                             
                                                So I say when you fall in love, you’ll hurt before you are through.
                                            Believe me my dear I ought to know because I fell in love with you.”

I love you so much and I underwent all these since yesterday. I know the pain of love and I also know the price of it. Trust me. My love for you is true. I swear it. I am happy that you agreed for this marriage. I have no greater pleasure other than winning you for me.”                   

On an auspicious day, Secelia and Valarion were married. Secelia sang on the wedding feast and it was accompanied with the music of drums and tambourines. The nightingale also joined in the song. Suddenly every one’s eyes were blinded by what appeared like white could. Unusual fragrance of heaven filled all those who were present there. But Valarion did not feel or see any difference. He saw two young and handsome men dancing and playing the tambourines along with Secelia. Suddenly something disturbed his thought. In a few minutes every one returned back to their normal condition. Every one appreciated the musical feast, where Secelia sang with her sweet voice. That night Valarion and Secelia met in person. With full of love, Valarion came near Secelia. But she put him aside with one word.

 Secelia said “Dear, stand there. Because of the marital rights you may have right over my body. But right now I warn you, never come near me. If you try to, you will be killed for sure.”

Valarion was shocked by this unexpected statement of her. “Will you kill me? But am I not your husband? How would you dare to kill me?” asked Valarion.

Secelia replied “Dear I will not kill you and it is not possible for me. But the guardian angel that is within me will kill you if there is a threat for my virginity. I am already engaged, not to any man of this world, but to my Lord Jesus Christ. I have offered my virginity to him. So at His command the guardian angel that is within me will protect me.”

Valarion was thunder struck at this statement of Secelia and asked her, “So, Secelia are you a christian?”

“Yes I am a Christian and that is why I rejected your love right from the beginning. It was you who was adamant and got married to me” Replied Secelia

“But, if you could have told this on the very first meeting of ours….. that you are a Christian, I would not have continued my love for you.” Spoke out Valorine.

“Dear, please recollect all that I told you on the day we met to decide our marriage….. Did I not tell you that, this marriage will not be fine with us…. You will not have any pleasure from me or our married life…. What is the use of regretting now?” Said Secelia.

“Ok fine, now what is the solution for this?”Asked Valarion.

            “My dear, now we do not have a place in this world as any other married couple. Since this marriage is through God, and this is also His will, I accept this marriage. Since I accept the will of God, I accept you as my husband. All our happiness is not in this world we live in but will be in heaven. Please forgive me and do not come near me. Since I have offered my virginity to my Lord Jesus Christ, He lives in my soul, and no one else can have a share in my body and soul” said Secelia.

“If this is the truth, then I want to see Jesus Christ. Who were the two young men who were dancing with you in the wedding feast?”Questioned Valarion, in great anger.

 “Beloved, now I understand that every man, be it a king or a slave, has this suspicious thought about the virginity of women and no woman could escape it. Moreover women of beauty and wisdom will have to face a worse situation in this aspect. So you want all your doubt to be cleared, right? Go straight to Apian Street. Between the third mile and fourth mile you will find Calistha cave. Go there and you will have an answer for all your doubts” replied Secelia.

“Secelia, I do not doubt you purity and virginity. But I have a doubt on the reason you are giving me for remaining a virgin. If it is proved that you are and woman of God, then I will never touch you forever. But if there is a mismatch in what you say about God and your virginity, then I will kill you and the two men who were dancing with you. This is for sure” said Valarion.

The next day morning Valarion reached the Calistha cave in the Apian Street. He saw an old man there. This old man was the Holy Father, Pope Urban who lived in those days. In 250 AD, Alexander Severus was the Roman emperor. According to his rule, Christians were considered as untouchables and enemies and were severely tortured and killed. Hence all the Christian religious leaders and followers of Christ had to hide themselves from these Roman men. In this situation, Valarion met the Holy Father and poured out all his heart to him. But Valarion was taken up by the teachings of the Holy Father and in a few days he too accepted Christ and became a Christian. At that time he had a vision. Secelia came there. The guardian angel, within Secelia, revealed him to both of them and blessed them, and crowned them with flowers, which was a testimony of the word of God.

The angel said “Valarion, Jesus is very much pleased with the songs of praise which your wife offers him. Since she is a human being, her soul will be awake though her body rests. Hence we sing the heavenly songs in her place when she takes rest. When she wakes up she will start to sing praises. We too will be ready with musical instruments and accompany her when she sings. Since angels are heavenly beings, God send us like human beings, so that you mankind will be able to feel our presence. We were the young men who were dancing with her on your wedding feast. I hope you understand the truth now.”

Now Valarion was transformed as a new human being. He was very proud of the divine nature of his wife. Since he accepted Christ, he felt sorry for suspecting his wife. As a means of penance he discarded his pride and offered the rest of his life for Jesus Christ. He shared Christ to his brother Tibertiun and his brother too accepted Christ and became a Christian. So these two brothers accepted Christ and discarded all their worldly fame and glory and found pleasure in ordinary jobs. They were of high birth, royal family background, and lived a luxurious life and now they disregarded all these things as waste and started to serve Christ. They used to secretly dig graves and bury those Christians who gave their lives for Christ. God also wanted to glorify these two brothers. They were betrayed by some people who were against Christ, and they were brought before the governor, Amalquse. The governor could not believe his eyes and ears. He was shocked to hear that these two brothers are now Christians. He wondered why these two people took such a stupid decision. He ordered them to meet him the next morning.

The governor said “Valarion and Tiburtiun is it true that you too were deceived and accepted Christianity? Is that Jesus Christ a ghost or a devil, He has possessed so many of you. Don’t you know that our king Alexander Severus has prohibited the Christian religion and any breach of government order will lead to severe punishment? A known breach of government order is a sign of utter foolishness. Why did you do this?”

Valarion replied “Respected governor, since we knew the truth that Jesus is the only true God, we accepted Christianity. He is the creator and protector of this whole world and all that is in it. The Gods of this world are false and the imagination of men. Knowing and understanding this truth we accepted Christ. No one has the right to restrict any one from accepting and following Christ.”

This aroused the anger of the Governor.  The Governor replied in a stern voice, “Valorine, are you aware of the person to whom you are giving counsel? I don’t need any confessions or testimonies about your Jesus Christ. Being born and brought up in a royal family of Rome, you have lost your respect by accepting Christ and doing the job of digging graves. What is wrong with you? Considering the status of your family and all the contributions of your forefathers towards the growth of Rome, I give you a minute….. Confess that our king Alexander Severus is God and worship all our Roman gods and leave this place. Come on do it immediately without delay”.

Valarion replied in a loud voice along with his brother, “Respected sir, we don’t require your sympathy. We will not be moved by your flattering or frightening words. Jesus is the only true God and He is our God. Praise the name of Jesus.”

At that moment their faces were filled with heavenly light. The Governor was irritated by this reply and commanded his men to imprison these two brothers and torment them. Valarion and his brother Tiberthiun were handed over to Maximian the jailor. The whole night the two brothers were scourged and their flesh was torn and the sight was very frightful. Their bodies looked like ploughed field filled with blood. Even at that condition they were praising the name of Jesus. The next day the Governor came to see them and gave a sarcastic comment. The Governor said,

            “Oh Valarion, I hope you are happy with the hospitality yesterday night? Better late than never, even now you can deny Jesus and I will set you both free.”

The two brothers replied in a single tone “We are ready to give up our lives rather than to give up Jesus” the governor became furious at these words.

He roared at the prison in-charge saying, “Maximian, do not show mercy to these brothers any more. Behead them immediately and kill them.”

Accordingly the prison in-charge beheaded the two brothers. Even at that time, the two brothers shouted out “Praise be to Jesus, Jesus is our redeemer and Lord Jesus save us” so saying they died. At that moment something strange happened. The soul that departed from the body of these two brothers reached the feet of Lord Jesus and the Maximian eyes saw this. This made a deep impact in the Maximian’s heart.

He said to himself, “I have killed such great men of God, and have sinned. What kind of penance will I do to wash away this sin of mine? Lord would you forgive me?” so saying he cried and repented.

All these incidents were informed to the Governor. The next day Maximian was brought before the Governor. The Governor asked him, “Do you feel guilty for killing those two brothers?”

Maximian replied, “My lord, it is true. The guilt of killing these two men of God will not allow me to rest in peace.”

The Governor further questioned him asking, “What are you going to do for this? Are you going to accept Christ and become a Christian?”

Maximian gave an immediate reply, “I am already a Christian and I have accepted Christ as my savior.”

The Governor cried out, “Oh enough of this nonsense. Do you mean to say that Jesus himself came and accepted you, hugged you and kissed you? I think you are a bit confused, take your time to realx.”

But Maximian replied, “Yes my lord, that is what happened yesterday. I saw the souls of Valorine and his brother reach the feet of Lord Jesus after they died. I saw Jesus and love and mercy in His eyes captured me. I understood he was calling me to be his own and I accepted his calling.”

The Governor replied, “You insolent fool, don’t try to cheat me with your stories. You want to be with Jesus, is it? I will not obstruct you, but for this you will have to give your life. Are you ready for it?”

Maximiyan replied, “I am ready for it, my Lord, I am ready to give my life for my Lord Jesus Christ, do with me as you wish.”

On hearing this Governor shouted angrily, “Maximian if you have still not understood the consequences of becoming a Christian, your death will make every one understand. Who’s there? Scourge him till death.”

The Governor’s command was executed immediately. Maximian was scourged till death. The people who witnessed the death of Maximian said that up to the time of his death, Maximian kept on saying “My Jesus, my beloved savior” Maximian did not even receive baptism to become a Christian. He did not have enough time for baptism, but he had the true change of heart and accepted Jesus as his savior. That was sufficient for him. Few of the secret Christians got the bodies of Maximian, Valarion and his brother by paying money to the soldiers and buried them secretly. But the troubles did not end here.

Those who were against Christianity, informed the Governor about the beauty of Secelia, her sweet voice and singing ability, and also about the riches she owned. When Secelia came to know about the death of her husband, his brother and Maximian the jail in-charge, which stood as a witness for Christ, she lamented for the same.  But Secelia knew that these things would happen, still she completely surrendered to the will of God. She also prepared herself to face the trial which she was about to undergo. As she anticipated, the soldiers took Secelia to the Governor for enquiry.

“Secelia, is it true that you are a Christian? That was what I was informed. You are a princess born in the great Pathrish family. Then why do you indulge yourself in such nonsense activities?” asked the Governor.  

Secelia replied, “Respected Governor, I know what had happened and I also know what is about to happen. Do not waste any more time. I am eagerly waiting to meet my heavenly bridegroom and my earthly husband. If it is possible sentence me to death immediately.”
“Oh Secelia, did you think that you would taste death as easy as you think….. No! Not at all! I will not allow it to happen. I heard that you are a good singer. Sing a song in praise of our king” said the Governor.

 “Stop your nonsense, it is not even one full day since I lost my husband and you expect me to sing praises to you? I will sing the praise of my Lord and savior Jesus Christ only. I remind you that a day will come when we will enter into eternal life and you and your king will enter the gates of hell. Up to that time you are free to do what you want” replied Secelia.

“O Secelia of matchless beauty! What will I gain by killing you? I want your beauty, the pleasure your beauty can give me, I want you to be mine, and I want to hear your sweet voice sing my praise. I want your wealth and I want this all for me. You will not taste death up to the time I taste all these” replied the Governor.

“Put an end to your foolish thoughts. All your cheap thoughts will not come true. Even my husband has not touched me and no one else can touch me too…. Even you. Do you know what will happen if you touch me? You will be killed the next moment. If you are brave enough, come near me. This is the promise my heavenly bridegroom has given me” said Seeceelia.

The governor was a little shaken by this courageous speech of Secelia. Still he gave a try and when he came close to her, he could see the sparks of fire from her eyes and he stepped back in terror.

“Oh you foolish governor, you want all that the Christians own, even their blood, but you do not want the priceless treasure they believe, Jesus Christ and heaven. In order to execute this ruthless act you are using the government order. Are you not ashamed of yourself? Prostitutes are far better than you for they sell their body and do not lust for others wealth. You will not have any thing which you aspire for from me” said Secelia.

The Governors anger was aroused by these words. But he still questioned her further about the huge wealth which belonged to her husband. He told Secelia, “The wealth of those who are accused as traitors and betrayers belongs to the government. Since your husband was killed for such an offence, I command you to hand over all the wealth that belongs to him.”

“Wait a minute, what’s the hurry for grabbing the wealth of others oh Governor. Since my husband knew your cunning thoughts and rules, he gave all his wealth to the poor and needy before he could die. There is not a single penny in his account now. Since he did this in his proper senses, it is as per the government norms and you cannot do anything about this” replied Secelia.

The governor was greatly disappointed on hearing this. He could not tolerate her any more. He said “Secelia, you and your husband have not cheated me, but the government. You have not insulted me, but the Roman government and our great king Alexander Verus. Since you refused to worship all our gods you have insulted them also. Far beyond all these offences, you have accepted Christianity which is banned by our Roman government. All these amount to violation of government rules. Hence now I will give you my verdict. It is not going to be an easy one. I have all rights to torment you and to physically harass you. You will meet your death after you go through all these insult and agony.” “Guards take her and go. Make her stand in the streets and let the entire public, all who want and all who can rape her.”  

So Secelia was handed over to one of the well known prostitute of the city. She was made to stand in the street in public. When they tried to remove her clothes, an unexpected miracle happened. All of a sudden her hair grew fast from her head to feet, like a thick blanket covering her body. This was the grace showered by her savior Jesus Christ. The people around her were now scared at this sight.

They said, “She is a woman of God and those who try to go near her will be killed” so saying they all ran away. The prostitute repented, fell down at Secelia’s feet and asked her forgiveness. She also promised that she will put an end to her prostitute life. When the governor heard all that happened to Secelia, he came to her.

 Secelia now spoke with the strength of the Spirit. “Amalkia, did you see the greatness of my God? You can never win my Lord or me. He will save me from all the trials and tribulations. Will any husband allow his wife to be raped? Have you ever heard such a thing? Never. Now did you see how my heavenly husband saved me from all your evil deeds? No husband will ill treat his wife, nor will he allow anyone else to do so to her. In the same way not one can harm me without the permission of my heavenly bridegroom.” So saying she sang praises to God. “As long as I am in the hands of my God, no harm will come near me. Even if you throw me from the highest mountain into the deep valley, or if I walk in the dark valley, of if I am immersed in the depth of the ocean, or if I am thrown into the burning sea of Sulfur, I will not fear.  Because, I am the bride of Christ and he will save me from all evil. No one can separate me from the love of Christ.”

This song was a great irritation to the governor. In his anger, he shouted at her saying, “Stop you praise, but even now you have given me the ways by which I can further torture you. As you sang, you will meet your destiny.” So saying, he commanded the guards to put her in the bathroom of her house and fill it with smoke so that she will be suffocated to death. The guards did as they were commanded. Secelia was thrown into the pit of smoke. At this moment Secelia started to praise the Lord. She sang the following song “May the Father, Son and Holy Spirit guard my head, Mother Mary guard my countenance, the Lord of righteousness guard my heart and breast, the angel’s guard my right shoulder and the holy isprith paste protect my left shoulder, and let me and my family be protected.”

This song turned out is a great prayer of faith. The ancient day Christians said this prayer to for protection during their journey and for protection from the powers of Satan. Even now this prayer is being said by all those who know it. This powerful song leads to a great miracle in the life of Secelia.

For one full week Secelia continued to sing praises to God form this pit of smoke. The Lord protected her from all dangers. The person, who executed this punishment for Secelia, gave his testimony stating that Secelia did not even sweat when she was amidst smoke. The governor came to see Secelia, thinking by then she would have turned to ashes. But he was surprised to see that Secelia was still praising God. His heart turned even harder on seeing this. He commanded her to be brought out.

Secelia looked at him and asked, “Did you see the power and greatness of my Saviour Jesus Christ? He protected me from the smoke and fire for the past one week. It is not too late. Give your heart to Christ and accept him. He will forgive you also and accept you. But do not test his patience anymore.”

“Look Secelia, I will not give ear to any of your teachings about Jesus Christ and I will never accept Him as my God. I am here to carry out the government order. I command your head to be cut off. Guards catch hold of her and cut her head immediately, right here” said the Governor.

A brave soldier came with a sword and tried to cut off her head at one shot. But to everyone’s surprise, the sword made only a small scratch on her neck. The governor became furious and shouted at the soldier and commanded him to cut her head at least this time without fail. The soldier replied “My Lord forgive me, I am good in handling this sword and have killed so many brave warriors in the battle field at one throw. But I am surprised why I am not able to cut off this lady’s head now.” The Governor became impatient and ordered him to perform the act once again on Secelia for the second time. This time the soldier struck Secelia’s neck with the sword with all his might. But even now the sword made a small scratch on Secelia’s neck and he could not cut off her head. Now the Governor’s mind was on fire and he spoke out so harshly at the solider.

He said, “You foolish soldier, if you are not able to cut the head of a lady, what would have you done in the battle field? I will give you one more chance to cut her head. If you fail this time, then you will have to face very serious consequences.”

The solider apologized and was so confused about his failure to cut off the head of a young lady. This time he gathered all his strength and flung the sword at Secelia’s neck for the third time. This time the sword made a deep cut in her throat but her neck was not cut off. Blood gushed out of her neck since an important vein was cut.

Even now the Governor’s anger was aggravated, since Secelia’s head was not cut off. So he ordered the soldier to try the sword for the fourth time on Secelia’s neck. At this the army captain interrupted and stopped the solider from performing the act.

When the Governor questioned him, he said “According to the rules of Roman Government, a person sentenced for being beheaded, is not to be harmed with the sword more than thrice. If he/ she survive the sword three times and is still alive, he/ she are to be set free. Still since the sword has made a deep wound in her neck, she is sure to die in a day or two. Hence I stopped the solider for the fourth time.”

The governor was greatly ashamed that he was not able to win a young girl like Secelia, but he was not able to do anything further. Still, since he knew that she would die in a day or two he left her house. At that moment, he suddenly called her neighbor and asked him about the wealth of Secelia. The neighbor replied that Secelia and her husband had given all their wealth to the poor and needy. Even the house in which Secelia was living, she had given it to her neighbor considering his poverty. He praised her for her generosity. The Governor immediately asked the neighbor whether he was a Christian for which the neighbor replied that he was not. He further said that Secelia and her husband gave all their wealth to the poor and needy but they did not seek to know whether they were Christians or people of other religious belief. Once again ashamed by the reply of the neighbor, the Governor walked away in silence.

Secelia had given the house to her neighbor and had asked him to convert the same as a church after her death. The neighbor now decided to hand over the house to Holy Father Arpan.

Secelia was on her death bed in her house and still she was singing praised to God. Three days passed by and God in His mercy was no longer willing to give her pain. On the third day night, her house was filled with heavenly glory and the Lord’s presence was there. The secret Christian women, who were present there, saw this sight. The roof of the house disappeared and a bright light descended from heaven. Secelia’s body sparkled and her soul rose from her and reached heaven. The nightingale also stopped its song and died.

After her death the secret Christians took Secelia’s body to the Calistha cave and buried her. The Holy Father Arpan, buried her next to the great martyrs. It is still there up to this day. Secelia died in 250 BC and her grave was found and opened in 4^th BC. The Lord had done a miracle to Secelia’s body. Those who opened the grave were surprised to see that the body of Secelia was not decayed or had a slight damage. As per the wish of Secelia, her house was converted into a church which is called by the name of Saint Secelia’s Church. Her body was brought from the Calistha cave and kept in this Saint Secelia’s church. Her memorial statue is kept in the altar of the church and at the Calistha cave where she was initially buried. When Secelia died, in one of her hands three fingers were kept open. According to the theologians this represents the holy trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Moreover, the bodies of Secelia, her husband, his brother and the jail in-charge Maximian, was brought from Calistha cave and buried near the church of Saint Secelia. Even after death the body of Secelia is kept high above the centre of tabernacle and her husband’s body is buried separately outside the church. They never lived together, never died together and were not even buried together.

The Roman Catholic information bureau states that when Secelia’s grave was opened in 1599 BC, her body was found without any decay or damage. The sculptor who carved the statue of Secelia, states that he carved it by looking at the body of Secelia after it was taken out of the grave. The Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican Church, the ancient Eastern Church, and the eastern Catholic Church have recognized and approved her as a Saint and her feast is celebrated on November 22^nd. All the churches recognize her as patron saint of musicians. This saint has a special place in the Roman Catholic history.

“As it is said there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” Jesus called us his friends. He gave his life for us and proved his love for us. Now it is our turn to surrender our life to Him.

Note:

We are unable to give the exact date, month and year of few of the historical events. The stories are written based on the data collected and we request the readers to kindly bear with us and absorb the main theme of the story alone.

                                                                   God Bless you all.