Agnes of Rome was a young woman who dedicated her life to Christ at a very young age.
Being of extraordinary beauty, young noblemen throughout Rome competed with each other to see who would be the one to take Agnes in marriage. Agnes politely refused every offer of marriage because she already had a "Spouse", referring of course to Jesus. One nobleman in particular was so embarrassed by Agnes' refusal to court him, he turned her in to the governor for being a Christian, which was a clear violation of Roman law at that time.
When Agnes was placed on trial, the judge politely asked her to make an offering of incense to the goddess Minerva. Agnes refused to make the offering as it would be contrary to her Christian faith. The judge threatened her with torture and fire, and Agnes still refused to make the offering. As a result, the judge sentenced Agnes to reside in a public brothel.
At the brothel, Agnes maintained her purity and respect. One man tried to touch her only to be struck blind in his attempt. Agnes prayed to God and his sight was restored, but this event prompted one of her suitors to convince the judge to have her executed.
In the year 304, Agnes was brought to one final trial and given one last opportunity to renounce Jesus Christ. Again, she refused. In the presence of many frightened spectators, Agnes was struck and killed by the sword of a Roman executor. She was only 14 years of age.
Almost immediately after Agnes' execution, she became one of the most recognized and celebrated martyrs throughout Christendom. In fact, less than 50 years after her death, the Christian emperor Constantine had a church built over her grave.
The name Agnes is derived from the Latin word for "Lamb" and a comparable word in Greek for "pure".
Each year, on or near January 21st, we celebrate the Feast of St. Agnes' in remembrance for her faith and courage. We also say the following prayer in her honor:
