Saint Agatha, martyr, lived in Sicily during the persecution of Christians by Decius. She came from a noble family, raised in piety. When the persecution began, she prepared for a martyr's end. The governor of the region, Quintian, captivated by her beauty, attempted to distract her from the Christian faith by placing her in the house of a pagan woman. However, the saint did not succumb to temptations.
Quintian subjected her to cruel tortures, but she remained steadfast, asserting that the idols were 'insensate logs.' After the tortures, the Apostle Peter appeared to her and healed her wounds, but she did not take advantage of this miracle, waiting for the martyr's crown.
On the fifth day, she was summoned again by the torturer. She confessed Christ, and Quintian ordered her to be thrown onto burning coals. At that moment, an earthquake occurred, frightening the torturer, and he sent Agatha back to prison, where she passed away, praying to God.
A church was built on her grave. God's wrath struck Quintian, who drowned while trying to seize the saint's possessions. During the eruption of Mount Etna, the people of Sicily used clothing from her tomb against the fire, and the eruption ceased, which strengthened their faith in her help.
The life of Saint Agatha teaches patience in suffering and hope for God's help, showing that trials are sent for our salvation.
