And for his love that dyde upon a tree
Every seconde and thridde day she faste,
Ay biddynge in hire orisons ful faste.
– Geoffrey Chaucer
The Canterbury Tales, The Second Nun’s Tale. To show her love for Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of mankind, Cecilia fasted from food every second and third day, and she prayed earnestly. She lived a very pious life.