The Holy Virgin Cecilia was born in Rome to honorable parents. Having believed in Christ, she decided to preserve her virginity for the Immaculate Bridegroom. Her parents betrothed her to a pagan named Valerian, but she secretly prayed for the preservation of her purity. At the wedding, she revealed to Valerian about her invisible guardian - an Angel, who protects her from violence.
Valerian, frightened, went to Bishop Urban, who baptized him. Upon returning, he saw the Angel, who placed crowns on both him and Cecilia and promised that they would both remain pure. Valerian asked for the conversion of his brother Tiburtius, and the Angel said that this would be fulfilled.
Tiburtius, hearing about the faith of Valerian and Cecilia, also believed and was baptized. The brothers began to perform miracles, helping those in need and burying the martyrs. The city chief Almach, having learned about them, ordered them to be seized and brought to him. Tiburtius boldly confessed his faith, and they were cruelly tortured, but they rejoiced in their sufferings.
Maxim, the chamberlain of Almach, saw their torments and, impressed, also believed. He was baptized along with the others, and the saints continued to preach. Eventually, they were beheaded for refusing to offer sacrifices to the pagan gods. Maxim, witnessing their glorious transition, also accepted a martyr's death.
Saint Cecilia, after suffering, was beheaded but continued to testify about Christ. Her body was buried with honor, and she left behind many believers. Her life became an example of fidelity and courage in suffering for the faith.
