St. Agnes
Virgin Martyr
Feast Day: January 21
Biography
St. Agnes (c. 291–304) was a young Roman noblewoman who consecrated her virginity to Christ at a very young age. When she refused proposals of marriage from several young men of noble families, she was denounced as a Christian during the Diocletian persecution. According to tradition, she was subjected to various torments but remained firm in her faith. She was martyred at age twelve or thirteen, becoming one of the most celebrated of the early virgin martyrs. Her name (from the Latin 'agnus,' meaning lamb) made the lamb her symbol. On her feast day, two lambs are blessed by the Pope; their wool is used to make the pallia worn by metropolitan archbishops.
Patronages
Symbols
Prayer
O St. Agnes, pure and youthful martyr, you chose Christ as your only spouse and gave your life rather than deny Him. Help me to remain faithful to Christ in all things. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Asking for Intercession
Catholics ask saints to pray with us and for us, as we ask friends on earth. St. Agnes, who lives in God's presence, intercedes before His throne. Speak from your heart: “St. Agnes, please pray for me…” You may also pray the prayer above or include this intention in your Rosary.