Cecilia of Rome

Born into a noble Roman family in the early 3rd century, Saint Cecilia vowed perpetual virginity despite being forced into marriage with Valerian. She converted Valerian and his brother Tiburtius to Christianity. All three suffered martyrdom during the reign of Emperor Severus Alexander. Cecilia is venerated as one of the most famous virgin martyrs of the early Church. Tradition holds that at the moment of her martyrdom, she heard heavenly music, which led to her patronage of musicians. Her relics are preserved in the Basilica of Saint Cecilia in Trastevere, Rome.