Saint Agatha was born in Palermo, Sicily, to noble and wealthy parents in the early third century. Agatha, who grew up in the Catholic faith from an early age, led a perfectly holy life. At a very young age, she surrendered herself completely to God through the promise of virginity.
It was at this time that the decree to execute Christians was proclaimed by Emperor Decius. But Agatha, as usual, did not hide his religious observances but performed them in public. Didn’t have to stay long. She was captured by royal servants and brought before the Roman governor, Quincyanus. Impressed by Agatha’s incredible beauty, the governor wanted to marry her. Realizing that she was not yielding to his wishes, the governor put her under the supervision of a wicked woman who had run a brothel to seduce her. But no such attempt could seduce her.
“I will die a virgin for Christ” – this was Agatha’s decision. The enraged governor cut off her breasts and tore her whole body with an iron rod and set it on fire. But God miraculously healed her. Upon hearing the news of Agatha’s death, the governor was shocked to see her condition. Yet that heart did not show even the slightest hint of repentance.
He roared like a lion, laid baked coal on the floor of the prison, and ordered the saint to roll over on it. Lying on the bed, Agatha raised her hands and prayed to the Lord to take her soul. He could not help but hear the prayers of his beloved. God took that pure soul to Himself. A.D. 251 This incident took place on the 5th of February.