Namesakes

<figure class=" sqs-block-image-figure intrinsic " > Saint Agatha by&nbsp;Cariani (Giovanni Busi) (1485-1547),1516 - 1517National Galleries, Scotland What's in a name? One way to have a new group introduce themselves is to ask them to tell a story of how they got their name. Many are named after family members, but I wasn't; I was named after a Saint.&nbsp;I was raised Roman Catholic and my mother's due date was February 5. In the Roman Catholic calendar that has been the Feast Day of St. Agatha since her death in 271 A.D.&nbsp;Agatha was born in Sicily into a wealthy family and dedicated her life to God. She caught the eye of Quintianus who tried to force her to turn away from her vow and marry him. She consistently refused his proposals until he had her arrested to face torture and possible death. She prayed for courage and refused to abandon her vow to God. She underwent more torture and eventually Quintianus had her breasts cut off. She had a vision of the apostle, St. Peter who comforted her and healed her wounds through prayers. She is the patron saint of Sicily and breast cancer patients. &nbsp;I relish getting to tell my story of I how got my name (although I was a bit early; my birthday is in December).&nbsp;I joined the Episcopal Church in 2008, and St. Agatha was never acknowledged until a calendar revision in 2022.&nbsp; The appointed Collect (brief prayer) for St. Agatha was recited around the world yesterday: Almighty and everlasting God, who strengthened your martyr Agatha with constancy and courage: Grant us for the love of you to make no peace with oppression, to fear no adversity, and to have no tolerance for those who would use their power to abuse or exploit; Through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with you and the Holy Spirit be all honor and glory, now and forever.&nbsp;Amen.I pray that I can aspire to live up to the foundations of my namesake's life in the 3rd century.Blessings, my friend,Agatha Namesakes Agatha Nolen Download