St. Cecilia Coloring Page
This St. Cecilia coloring page shows the young saint playing a small hand organ, wearing a crown of roses and lilies, with a singing angel and music notes floating around her. The PDF is free to print. Cecilia was a brave Christian girl of ancient Rome and is the patron saint of music.
The story of St. Cecilia
A very long time ago, in the great city of Rome, lived a young Christian woman named Cecilia. In those days it was dangerous to follow Jesus, but Cecilia loved him with all her heart. We know she was real, because Christians buried her in a special place in the catacombs, close to the tombs of the early popes, and they have honored her ever since. Most of her story comes from a beautiful old tale written long after she lived.
People tell that Cecilia's family arranged for her to marry a young man named Valerian. At the wedding feast, while the musicians played, Cecilia sang in her heart to God alone. That night she told Valerian that an angel of God watched over her. Valerian wanted to see the angel too, so he went to learn about Jesus and was baptized. When he came back, he saw the angel standing beside Cecilia, holding two crowns of roses and lilies, one for each of them!
Valerian's brother Tiburtius came to believe in Jesus as well. All three of them stayed faithful when the Roman rulers said they must give up their faith. They gave their lives for Jesus, and Cecilia was the bravest of all.
Because of the music at her wedding, St. Cecilia became the patron saint of music, singers and church musicians. Her name is still said in one of the prayers of the Mass, and we celebrate her feast on November 22.
What to color
- The organ: silver or gold pipes and a brown wooden box. It shows she is the patron of music.
- Her crown of roses and lilies: red roses and white lilies with green leaves.
- Her gown: rose, gold or blue, rich colors like the old paintings.
- The angel: soft white, yellow or pale blue wings, for her guardian angel.
- The music notes: any bright colors you like.
- The palm branch: green. It is the sign of a martyr, someone who gave their life for Jesus.
A prayer to pray together
Choirs and musicians often say this simple prayer before they sing:
St. Cecilia, pray for us.
Children can add: and help us sing and play our best for God.
Ideas for families and classrooms
- Color this page on her feast, November 22.
- Sing a favorite hymn together, or put on church music while you color.
- Make simple instruments: a shaker from a jar of dried beans or a drum from an oatmeal box.
- Thank your parish music director, organist or choir with a card.
- Talk about it: Cecilia sang to God in her heart. What song would you like to sing to God?
Read the full story: St. Cecilia in the encyclopedia.
Frequently asked questions
What colors should I use for St. Cecilia?
Painters often dress Cecilia in rich colors like rose, gold or blue. Make the roses in her crown red and the lilies white, the organ pipes silver or gold, and the angel's wings any soft color.
Why is St. Cecilia the patron saint of music?
Her old story says that at her wedding, while the musicians played, Cecilia sang in her heart to God alone. Those words became an antiphon sung on her feast, and over time people pictured her singing and playing music. Musicians and choirs have asked her prayers ever since.
Why does she wear a crown of roses and lilies?
Her story says an angel brought crowns of roses and lilies to Cecilia and her husband Valerian. Roses stand for the love of the martyrs, and lilies for a pure heart.
Is this coloring page free for schools?
Yes. Print as many copies as you need for your home, classroom or parish.