St. Agnes of Rome

Like many of the virgin martyrs, St. Agnes was born to a wealthy noble family. She was raised Christian, but as she started to become of age, many suitors were attracted to her. Agnes, however, had promised her life to God and intended never to marry. One of those suitors was the governor's son, and enraged by the rejection, turned her in to the Roman government, as Christianity was against the law at that time. The Roman governor tried many ways to get her to change her mind and marry his son, but Agnes refused each time. He tried to put her in chains, but she only smiled radiantly. He had her stripped naked in the street to try to embarrass her, but her hair instantly grew long enough to cover her entire body. Anyone who tried to do harm to her were blinded. The governor, feeling he had exhausted all other options, sentenced her to execution. She was tied to a post to be burned, but the fire would not light. Finally, a soldier cut her throat and Agnes bled to death, still smiling and praising God.


Lifetime: ~291 to ~304
Region: Rome
Patronages: Girls; Gardeners; Chastity
Iconograpy: Lamb; Young girl; Palm
Feast Day: January 21

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