Today the Universal Church celebrates the Memorial of St Agnes (c 291- c 304), Virgin and Martyr. Much of Agnes’ story comes down to us in the form of legend, but it is a fact that she was a martyr in the early fourth century. She has always been a popular saint because St. Ambrose and other well-known early Church saints have written about her.

Agnes was a beautiful young girl who belonged to a wealthy Roman family. She loved God very much and wanted to give her heart only to him. She chose Jesus as her spouse and would not marry anyone else.

Because Agnes was rich and beautiful, many young Roman noblemen wanted to marry her. But she answered them all by saying, “I already have a husband in heaven—Jesus.” The young men became angry and reported Agnes to the governor, accusing her of being a Christian. This was in the year 304, when Christians were being put to death by order of the emperor Diocletian.

Even though Agnes was only thirteen years old, she faced the governor bravely. She would not turn away from God. She would not burn incense to the idols. She wasn’t even afraid when the governor threatened to have her tortured. This made the governor so angry that he sent Agnes to the house of some evil women, so that they could lead her to sin. But Agnes remained pure and holy, trusting in Jesus, who made her strong.

When Agnes was brought back to the governor, he ordered her to be beheaded. Agnes bowed her head before the executioner. She felt happy to give her life for Jesus, and she looked forward to being with him soon in heaven. In one stroke, the executioner cut off Agnes’ head. She is buried in a cemetery named after her. In 354, Emperor Constan-tine’s daughter built a large church there and had Agnes’ body placed under the altar. St. Agnes’ symbol is the lamb. (iMissal, Sain a Day)

St. Agnes made heroic decisions and stuck to them. She could do this because she made Jesus the center of her life. Her love for Jesus gave her the strength she needed to be true to her Christian faith. We can ask St. Agnes for her courage and love for Jesus. Here are a few quotes which might inspire us to be faithful as she did:

❦ Christ made my soul beautiful with the jewels of grace and virtue. I belong to Him whom the angels serve.

❦ You may stain your sword with my blood but you will never profane my body that I have consecrated to Christ.

❦ I am already promised to the Lord of the Universe. He is more splendid than the sun and the stars, and He has said He will never leave me!

❦ He chose me first and He shall have me.

Hail Mary full of grace…

St. Agnes, pray for us.

St. Clare, pray for us.

Be one & be holy in Christ,

Father Vincent-Vuong Nguyen

St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church

Houston, TX