Presiding over a Pontifical Mass in Catania, Sicily, Holy See Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin called on the faithful to pray for Christians enduring persecution around the world. The Eucharistic celebration at Catania Cathedral marked the culmination of a Jubilee commemorating the ninth centenary of the translation of Saint Agatha’s relics from Constantinople to her native city. Bringing the Pope’s blessing and spiritual closeness to the citizens gathered, Cardinal Parolin highlighted that the anniversary reflects God’s enduring faithfulness to the Church through centuries of trial and renewal.
In his homily, Cardinal Parolin emphasized that Saint Agatha’s legacy is not a relic confined to “museums of memory,” but a living witness that continues to inspire active faith, hope, and charity today. Drawing on the liturgical readings—including the martyrdom of the Maccabean brothers and the writings of Saint Paul—he noted that Agatha’s martyrdom was ultimately a demonstration of indestructible love rather than violence. He recalled the teachings of Saint Augustine and Tertullian, reiterating that the blood of martyrs serves as the vital seed from which the Church continuously flourishes.
Reflecting on the nature of Christian trial, Cardinal Parolin underscored that the Church relies on God’s grace rather than human power or efficiency. Beyond the direct violence suffered by persecuted believers worldwide, he introduced the concept of a “bloodless martyrdom” lived through daily fidelity. He pointed to everyday acts of holiness—such as spouses maintaining love through hardship, youth rejecting shallow cultural norms, and individuals choosing truth and forgiveness over compromise—as modern expressions of Saint Agatha’s unwavering commitment to the Gospel. Following the liturgy, the celebration concluded with a traditional procession of the saint’s relics through the streets of Catania’s historic center.