Saturday, April 24, 2010

St. Agatha (c. 231 to c.251)


When I was doing genealogical research this week, I was surprised to find the tiny village of Castelpizzuto, Isernia, Italy has a patron saint. With just 140 residents, they honor St. Agatha with a celebration every February 5 on her feast day.
She was born in Sicily c.231. When she refused the advances of Quintianus, a judge, he had her thrown in prison and tortured. She was whipped and burnt, and had her breasts cut off. St. Agatha died c.251. She is shown in artwork carrying her breasts on a platter.
St. Agatha is the patron saint of breast cancer.

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