By Andrew M. Beresford

From the preface: “ According To Popular Tradition, the Sicilian virgin, martyr, Aatha, died in Cantania at the height of the Decian persecutions (250-53). Desired by Quintianus, the low-born Roman consul, she spurned his advances and was imprisoned in a brothel, where its keeper, the appropriately named Aphrodisia, was charged with the responsibility of shattering her sexual resolve. When the attempt at coercion failed, Agatha was summoned once again before Quintianus, and after further interrogation, was subjected to a series of gruesome tortures -the most infamous being the severing of her breast. That night, while suffering in prison, Saint Peter appeared before her, and, in amiraculous act of intervention, healed her wounds and restored her breast. The following day, humiliated and enraged, Quintianus inflicted further pains upon her, and having borne her suffering with exemplary courage and steadfast devotion, she eventually yielded up her soul.

Newark, DE. Juan de la Cuesta-Hispanic Monographs. 2010. 259p.