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St. Agnes of Rome

Tuesday January 21, 2025

St. Agnes was a young girl who had consecrated herself to Jesus. She was martyred during the persecution of Christians which took place under the rule of the Roman emperor Diocletian.

Agnes was born in the year 291. She was the daughter of a wealthy Roman and many eligible young men sought to marry her. But she saw herself as the spouse of Jesus. Many of these men resented her commitment to her faith, as she was beautiful and her family was of high social standing.

When she refused to marry the governor's son, the young man reported her as a Christian to his father. The governor put her in chains. She was threatened with many types of punishment, but she said she would rather endure them all than give up her commitment as a bride of Christ.

When she continued to resist, she was condemned to death and was martyred at the age of 12 or 13.

Her name means "lamb" in Latin. She is often seen portrayed with a lamb, and white lilies for purity.

Patron Saint of ...

St. Agnes is the patron saint of betrothed couples, gardeners, chastity, and Girl Scouts, Girl Guides, and American Heritage Girls.

Mass Readings for the Memorial of Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr

The readings may be taken from below, the readings for the day, the Common of Virgins, or the Common of Martyrs.

  • First Reading - 1 Corinthians 1:26-31: "Rather, God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise, and God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong, and God chose the lowly and despised of the world, those who count for nothing, to reduce to nothing those who are something, so that no human being might boast before God."
  • Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 23: "The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want."
  • Gospel - Matthew 13:44-46: "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it."

Social Media Graphic and Quote

christ is my spouse
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Christ is my Spouse,
He chose me first and His I will be.
He made my soul beautiful with the jewels of grace and virtue.
I belong to Him whom the angels serve.

St. Agnes of Rome

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