St. Agatha and Perseverance in Suffering
One of the early martyrs, about whom we know little, has become one of the most invoked intercessors of our age: St. Agatha. Because her torture included cutting off her breasts, she has long been considered the patron saint of breast cancer; with the rising prevalence of the disease, she is more necessary as a heavenly intercessor than ever.
St. Agatha was martyred in the mid-third century, and she was revered as one of the seven virgin martyrs in the Roman Canon, attesting to early devotion to her in the Church. However, beyond her martyrdom, her story cannot be verified since much of it emerged centuries after her death. According to tradition, she was arrested for being a Christian and was asked to renounce her faith, which she did not. The local Roman prefect had her consigned to a brothel for a month, figuring she would lose her virginity and renounce the faith. Again, she did not. He then had her physically tortured, including having her breasts torn and cut off. After being thrown back in prison, Agatha was visited by St. Peter, who reportedly healed her wounds. Days later, the prefect called her forth and had her rolled over coals and sharp stones. She later died from her wounds.
If we are praying to St. Agatha (or St. Peregrine, the patron saint of all those suffering from cancer) for ourselves or a loved one, we should look to her not only for hope for a cure but also perseverance in suffering. The physical and mental suffering of a debilitating and potential fatal disease such as cancer is immense, and loss of faith is tempting, especially if the diagnosis is a terminal one. However, we must not forget that suffering on this earth is redemptive, if we unite it to Jesus' suffering. Physical suffering was not part of God's original plan for mankind, but because of our first parents' original sin, it is now a guarantee; none of us will escape this life without suffering. However, through God's grace, this suffering need not go to waste. By actively offering up our suffering and willfully joining it to Christ's pain on the Cross, we can atone for sin. By accepting our suffering, it becomes a sort of penance that can relieve temporal punishment for past sins. In addition, by accepting our own cross, we can more deeply understand (though we can never fully understand) Jesus' sacrifice and the pain he willingly accepted for our salvation. We can also deepen our empathy for others in a similar state.
St. Agatha eventually gave up her life for her faith. If you are suffering, especially from a physical disease, say a prayer to her that you will also persevere in faith during these trying times. We here at Gospa are praying for you, too!
By Anna Neal