Saint Agnes

Saint Jerome says that the tongues and pens of all nations are employed in the praises of this saint, who overcame both the cruelty of the tyrant and the tenderness of her age, and crowned the glory of chastity with that of martyrdom. Saint Austin observes, that her name signifies chaste in Greek, and a lamb in Latin. She has been always looked upon in the church as a special patroness of purity, with the immaculate Mother of God and Saint Thecla. Rome was the theatre of the triumph of Saint Agnes; and Prudentius says, that her tomb was shown within sight of that city. She suffered not long after the beginning of the persecution of Diocletian, whose bloody edicts appeared in March in the year of our Lord 303. We learn from Saint Ambrose and Saint Austin, that she was only thirteen years of age at the time of her glorious death. Her riches and beauty excited the young noblemen of the first families in Rome, to vie with one another in their addresses, who should gain her in marriage. Agnes answered them all, that she had consecrated her virginity to a heavenly spouse, who could not be beheld by mortal eyes. Her suitors, finding her resolution impregnable to all their arts and importunities, accused her to the governor as a Christian; not doubting but threats and torments would overcome her tender mind, on which allurements could make no impression. The judge at first employed the mildest expressions and most inviting promises; to which Agnes paid no regard, repeating always, that she could have no other spouse than Jesus Christ. He then made use of threats, but found her soul endowed with a masculine courage, and even desirous of racks and death. At last, terrible fires were made, and iron hooks, racks, and other instruments of torture displayed before her, with threats of immediate execution. The young virgin surveyed them all with an undaunted eye, and with a cheerful countenance beheld the fierce and cruel executioners surrounding her, and ready to despatch her at the word of command. She was so far from betraying the least symptom of fear, that she even expressed her joy at the sight, and offered herself to the rack. She was then dragged before the idols, and commanded to offer incense: “but could by no means be compelled to move her hand, except to make the sign of the cross,” says Saint Ambrose.

- By Father Alban Butler. “Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr”, in Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs, and Principal Saints, 1866.

Agnes is the patron saint of virgins, Children of Mary, and the Girl Scouts. 

Teachings of Saint Agnes

On fidelity: "Christ has made my soul beautiful with the jewels of grace and virtue. I belong to Him Whom the Angels serve."

On trust in the Lord: "I place my trust in You, O adorable Blood, our Redemption, our regeneration. Fall, drop by drop, into the hearts that have wandered from You and soften their hardness."

Meditation

Saint Agnes, bright gem in the grand court of heaven.
Whose jeweled gates glisten with jasper and gold,
What words to the children of earth have been given,
To speak of thy worth, of thy glory untold!
What pearl could compare with thy pure soul so holy?
What ruby's rich depths with thy heart's fervent love?
What amethyst's glow with thy meek life so lowly?
What diamond with thy dazzling beauty above?

Saint Agnes, sweet patroness, teach us to follow
The footsteps of Him whom thy young heart loved best,
That after life's night-time of tears and of sorrow
May dawn a glad morning of peace and of rest.
With scorn thou didst look upon earthly ambition
And long from its fettering links to be free;
It seemed in thy sight but a vain apparition –
The real, the true One was waiting for thee!

 By John O'Kane Murray, M.A., M.D. “Saint Agnes, The Young Roman Virgin and Martyr”. Little Lives of the Great Saints, 1879.

Prayer for the Youth with Saint Agnes

O Little St. Agnes, so young and yet made so strong and wise by the power of God, protect by your prayers all the young people of every place whose goodness and purity are threatened by the evils and impurities of this world.

Give them strength in temptation and a true repentance when they fail. Help them to find true Christian friends to accompany them in following the Lamb of God and finding safe pastures in His Church and in her holy sacraments.

May you lead us to the wedding banquet of heaven to rejoice with you and all the holy virgin martyrs in Christ who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.

Pictures:

Top picture: Portrait of St. Agnes, by Christopher Santer, Pacem Studio. Used with permission. 

Bottom picture: Catacomb of St. Agnes, photograph by José Luiz, 7/1/2015 - CC-BY-SA-2.5