Patron: of young girls, chastity, rape survivors, and the Children of Mary
Birth: 291
Death: 304
St. Agnes of Rome was born in 291 AD and raised by a Christian family. Agnes was stunning and belonged to a wealthy family. Her hand in marriage was highly sought after, with many high-ranking men vying for her. However, Agnes promised God that she would never stain her purity. Her love for the Lord was strong, and she despised sin even more than death!
When a man wanted to marry Agnes, she would always say, "Jesus Christ is my only spouse."
According to legend, the young men she turned away were so enraged and offended by her devotion to God and purity that they began to report her to authorities as a Christian follower.
Procop, the Governor's son, became enraged when she refused him. He tried to win her over as his wife with lavish gifts and promises, but the lovely young girl kept saying, "I am already promised to the Lord of the Universe." He is more magnificent than the sun and stars, and He has promised never to leave me!"
In rage, Procop accused her of being a Christian and took her to his father, the Governor. The Governor promised Agnes wonderful gifts if she would simply deny God, but she refused. He tried to persuade her by putting her in chains, but her lovely face was filled with joy.
Next he sent her to a place of sin, but an Angel protected her. At last, she was condemned to death. Even the pagans cried to see such a young and beautiful girl going to death. Yet, Agnes was as happy as a bride on her wedding day. She did not pay attention to those who begged her to save herself. "I would offend my Spouse," she said, "if I were to try to please you. He chose me first and He shall have me!" Then she prayed and bowed her head for the death-stroke of the sword.
Other accounts of Agnes' life blame the Prefect Sempronius for her martyrdom. It is said that he sentenced the young girl to be dragged through the streets naked. According to some versions of the legend, Agnes' hair grew instantly to cover her entire body, and any men who attempted to rape the beautiful virgin were struck blind.
According to the stories, Sempronius excused himself, and another man presided over Agnes' trial instead. The new man condemned Agnes to death. Agnes was initially tied to a stake, but either the wood did not burn or the flames shifted away from her. This prompted an officer to draw his sword and execute the girl. It is believed that Christians soaked up her blood as it poured into the stadium with cloths.
She died as a virgin-martyr on January 21, 304, at the age of 12 or 13.
Agnes was buried near the Via Nomentana in Rome. Her remains are currently housed beneath the high altar of the church of Sant'Angese fuori le mura in Rome, which was built over the catacomb that housed her tomb. Her skull is kept in the church of Sant'Agnese in Agone on Rome's Piazza Navona.
The Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes was founded in 1858 by Austrian missionary Father Caspar Rehrl.
St. Agnes is widely recognised as the patron saint of young girls. She is also the patron saint of chastity, rape victims, and the Children of Mary. She is frequently depicted holding a lamb, symbolising her virgin innocence, and a palm branch, as are other martyrs. She is depicted as a young girl in robes holding a palm branch, with the lamb either at her feet or in her arms.
Her feast day falls on January 21. On her feast day, it is customary to bring in two lambs to be blessed by the Pope. On Holy Thursday, the lamb's wool is removed and woven into the pallium that the pope bestows upon a newly consecrated archbishop as a symbol of his authority and union with the pope.