Agatha of Sicily

Saint

Agatha of Sicily
Saint; Agatha of Sicily
Virgin and martyr
Born	c. 231; Catania, Sicilia, Roman Empire
Died	c. 251 (aged 19–20); Catania, Sicilia, Roman Empire
Cause of death	Torture
Venerated in	Catholic Church; Eastern Orthodox Church; Oriental Orthodoxy; Anglican Communion;
Canonized	Pre-congregation by tradition confirmed by Pope Gregory I
Feast	5 February
Attributes	pincers, breasts on a plate
Patronage	Catania (Sicily), Gallipoli (Apulia), Molise, Malta, San Marino, Zamarramala (Segovia, Spain), Escatrón, (Zaragoza, Spain); bellfounders, breast cancer patients, bakers, nurses, jewelers, martyrs, virgins, rape victims, sufferers of sterility, victims of torture, natural disasters, fire, earthquakes, eruptions of Mount Etna, and volcanic eruptions;

Saint Agatha of Sicily (c. 231 – c. 251 AD) is an early Christian virgin and martyr. Her feast is on 5 February; traditionally, it is considered the last date by which one can send New Year's greetings.

Agatha was born in Catania, part of the Roman Province of Sicily, and was martyred c. 251. She is one of several virgin martyrs who are commemorated by name in the Canon of the Mass.

Agatha is the patron saint of Catania, Molise, Malta, San Marino, Gallipoli in Apulia, and Zamarramala, a municipality of the Province of Segovia in Spain.