Saint Agatha (231- 251) was born at Catania, Sicily. She was arrested and tortured. Because one of the tortures she suffered was to have her breasts cut off, she was often depicted carrying breasts on a plate. She is the patroness of Catania and she is invoked against the maladies of breast, fire and earthquakes.

Reflection: In the first reading of today we come across God who dwells among the people as their hope and strength. The people found solace in the Lord who let His saving presence felt by them. In the gospel, Jesus, the Healer, avails Him­self to all those who approached Him. In fact, Jesus did not only heal them from their sickness but also led them to salvation. Today, some among the sick get sophisticated caring facilities with well-advanced equipment but not the consoling presence of the Lord. Some others do not even get physical or spiritual care. We, the Christians, who bear Christ within us, are invited not only to be the instruments of physical healing, but also to be the agents of faith and grace, and thereby lead the people to salvation. Let us use our voice for kindness, hands for charity, mind for goodness and heart for compassion and love, and participate in the saving mission of the Lord.