Agatha (d. 251)

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Agatha (d. 251)

Sicilian saint. Born at Palermo, though date of birth is unknown; died Feb 5, 251.

Patron saint of Malta and of the cities Catania and Palermo in Sicily, was a 3rd-century Sicilian noblewoman of great beauty, who repeatedly rejected the illicit advances of the Roman prefect Quintianus, governor of Sicily; was whipped, burnt with hot irons, torn with hooks, and then placed on a bed of live coals and glass during the persecutions of the Christians by the emperor Decius (251 Ce). Feast day is Feb 5.

See also Women in World History.