Feast Day: 22nd November 

St Cecilia became the patroness of music and musicians, it being written that, as the musicians played at her wedding, Cecilia "sang in her heart to the Lord". Musical compositions are dedicated to her, and her feast, on 22 November, is the occasion of concerts and musical festivals.

Iconography

Cecilia is frequently depicted playing the viola, a portative organ, or other musical instruments, evidently to express what was often attributed to her, namely that while the musicians played at her nuptials, she sang in her heart to God.

Feast Day: 25^th April

Saint Bernadette Soubirous was born on January 7, 1844 into a very poor family.  She had a pleasant personality, very poor health, and bad asthma.  Bernadette helped her mother around the house and took care of her siblings.  She once said,

“I was nothing and of this nothing God made something great.”

During the year 1858, Bernadette was 14 and preparing to receive her First Holy Communion.  Bernadette, her sister, and her friend had gone to collect firewood.  The two girls crossed the stream to the grotto.  Bernadette, however, stayed on the other side because she did not want to make her asthma worse by walking through the cold water.  The girls insisted she join them, and Bernadette began taking off her shoes when she heard a rustling sound.  Bernadette looked around and then in the grotto, she saw a beautiful lady - this beautiful lady was a vision of Mary. She continued to visit the grotto and Mary appeared to Bernadette 17 times throughout her life.

Saint Bernadette is forever remembered for her perseverance in suffering, childlike trust, and humility.  She is the patron Saint of shepherds and shepherdesses and of people who are persecuted or ridiculed for their faith.

Iconography:

St. Cecilia is often pictured with the following items: 

• Lourdes Grotto: The Grotto, where she experienced the apparitions of Our Lady, is a significant element in her iconography.
• Spring of Water: The miraculous spring at Lourdes, which originated after the apparitions, is another key symbol. 
• Rosary: St. Bernadette was devoted to the rosary and is often depicted holding one. 
• Candle: The candle is a symbol of the candlelight processions at Lourdes. 
• Flowers: Lilies, symbolizing purity, are sometimes included in her portrayals, especially when she is shown as a nun. 
• Crutch: Some icons include a crutch, representing the healings that occurred at Lourdes. 

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