Saint Agnes -21st January

St. Agnes of Rome was born in 291 AD and raised in a Christian family. Agnes made a promise to God never to stain her purity. Her love for the Lord was great and she hated sin even more than death! – Whenever a man wished to marry Agnes, she would always say, “Jesus Christ is my only Spouse.” The young men she turned away became so angry and insulted by her devotion to God and purity that they began to submit her name to authorities as a Christian follower. In great anger, Procop accused her of being a Christian and brought her to his father, the Governor. The Governor tried to change her mind by putting her in chains, but her lovely face shone 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. She died a virgin-martyr at the age of 12 or 13 on 21 January 304.

Agnes of Rome, Protect the Young

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.

… St Agnes, Pray for Us …

Prayer to Saint Agnes

Saint Agnes, although you were only a child, you believed that Jesus was always with you; help us to remember that He is also with us, and to remain true to His presence. Saint Agnes, you refused to give up your faith; help us to be proud of our faith, to love it, to be strong in it, and to give witness to it daily. Saint Agnes, patron saint of children, watch over the children of the world; keep them safe from harm; be with them in their hour of need; and always pray for them.

Saint Agnes you are an example to the worth of virtue and chastity. You wear a Martyr’s palm and a virgin’s wreath. Saint Agnes pray for us that, though unworthy of a special crown, we may have our names written in the list of Saints.

Amen.