St. Agnes

 I often try to find the most obscure Saints to learn about. There are so many good stories that few people have heard. But sometimes we think we know about a Saint because we have heard her name so often, but how much do we really know? We may think we know St. Agnes. We often hear her name invoked in Eucharistic Prayer I at Mass, listed along with the other early virgin martyrs. But how many of us know more than her name? 

Agnes, also known as Agnes of Rome, was born around 291 AD. According to legend, she was from a noble Roman family and was raised as a Christian. As a beautiful young girl of a wealthy family, she had many high-ranking suitors. However, Agnes was devout in her faith. She refused her suitors saying that she could have no spouse but Christ. This did not sit well with the young men. Her name was submitted to the authorities as a follower of the Christian faith, which at that time was condemned as a cult. 

Agnes was condemned to be dragged naked through the streets to a brothel. In one account, she prayed, and her hair grew to cover her body and protect her modesty. Other stories say that any man that approached her in the brothel was struck blind. The son of a prefect was struck dead but revived after she prayed for him. She was released from the brothel to stand trial again. This time she was sentenced to death. She was led out bound to a stake, but the wood would not burn, so she was beheaded. It is said that her blood poured to the stadium floor where other Christians soaked it up with cloths. Agnes was only about 12 or 13 at the time of her death. 

St. Agnes is patron Saint of girls, chastity and virgins, victims of sexual abuse, betrothed couples, Girl Guides, the diocese of Rockville Center NY and other places. She is usually depicted in art with a lamb (agnus in Latin) - a symbol of her purity as well as a play on her name. Her feast day is January 21.

St. Agnes, pray for us.