# Feast of St. Agatha and the Hymn “Spirit of the Living God”
*2016-02-05*

> Bill Young reflects on the third‑century martyr St. Agatha, patron of breast cancer patients and nurses, and leads a simple hymn praying for the Holy Spirit’s renewal.

## St. Agatha: A Brief Portrait

Today we celebrate the feast of St. Agatha, a martyr from the third century in Sicily, Italy. Though not as widely known as some saints, she is revered as the patron of women suffering from breast cancer and of nurses. Her story reminds us of steadfast faith in the face of persecution.

## Why We Remember Her Today

February 5th is also a national awareness day for women’s health issues, including heart disease and breast cancer. By honoring St. Agatha, we join those who pray for healing and strength for women—wives, mothers, aunts, nieces, and friends—who are confronting these challenges.

## A Simple Hymn: “Spirit of the Living God”

We close with a short hymn that asks the Holy Spirit to renew us:

“Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.
Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me.
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on all.
Melt us, mold us, fill us, use us.”

*May the Holy Spirit, like St. Agatha’s example, empower us to bear witness to Christ in every trial.*