Saint Cecelia

Saint Cecilia: Feast Day Nov. 22nd

My four-year-old daughter’s favorite saint is Saint Cecilia— Patron Saint of musicians. When I asked her why she likes Saint Cecilia, she replied,“The music.” Honestly, this is so fitting, because she loves to sing and dance. I remember the first time I asked her who her favorite saint was and she replied, “Cecilia,” without hesitation. It took me by surprise, because I didn’t remember telling her anything about Saint Cecilia, and then I remembered that we’d read the book, Girl Saints for Little Ones, a few nights prior. It’s amazing what little minds remember and also the thoughts they have and connections they make. Thinking about this reminds me just how important it is to help our children build a strong faith foundation when they are young, because one day we will send them out into the world without us. We, therefore, need to feed them with what is true and good, so that their hearts and hands “sing” with the good news and preach the gospels through their actions. Let us ask Saint Cecilia today, to pray that our children’s hearts sing to the Lord throughout their lives like her heart sang to the Lord. Saint Cecilia, pray for us!

Celebrating Saint Cecilia through food:

I found a recipe fitting for today because of its name— The Saint Cecilia Society Punch. It is, however, a very stiff alcoholic beverage, so I’ve modified it below to make a more family friendly version:

Ingredients:

2 lemons cut in slices
I 14oz can of pineapple juice
16 oz of green tea
1 tsp artificial rum extract
1 bottle of sparkling cider
1 peach cut into slices
Sugar to taste if it is too tart

Directions:

Pour all ingredients into large punch bowl, mixing well, and garnish with lemon and peach slices.
Serve and enjoy!

You can also simply make rainbow sorbet punch. My kids tend to like it a little better. Simply mix rainbow sorbet with pineapple juice and Sprite and enjoy!

Crafts/Activities:

In honor of Saint Cecilia being the Patron Saint of Music, make homemade musical instruments together as a family.

Rain Stick or Maracas:

2 empty toilet paper or paper towel rolls
Construction paper
Dried beans or rice
Rubber bands

Tissue-box guitar:

Empty tissue box
Four or five rubber bands
1 empty toilet paper or paper towel roll

Drums:

Pots and pans with spoons

Another activity you and your family can do is play musical chairs using favorite songs of family members. You can also use this beautiful song—the sung version of the Litany of the Saints—below that mentions Saint Cecilia. I hope you and your family have a truly blessed day celebrating Saint Cecilia!

Additional information about Saint Cecilia:

If you are interested in reading more about Saint Cecilia, Franciscan Media has some great info.

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