Monday of the Third Week of Easter

Saint Agnes of Montepulciano was born on 28 January 1268 in Gracciano, near Montepulciano in medieval Tuscany, to the noble Segni family. Drawn early to the Lord, she persuaded her parents to let her enter a community of Franciscan women while still a child, receiving special permission to embrace religious life at only nine. Sent to help found a new monastery at Proceno, she quickly became known for humble service and deep prayer, and at just twenty was elected prioress. Her love for the Blessed Sacrament and her contemplative spirit were accompanied by signs of God’s favor: many sought her counsel, the sick found healing, and she was remembered for miraculous provisions of bread for her sisters. Recalled to Montepulciano, Agnes guided her community into the Dominican family and was often asked to reconcile feuding households. After years of illness borne with patience, she died on 20 April 1317. Her incorrupt body and the sweet fragrance surrounding her tomb strengthened devotion to her, and she is honored as patron of Proceno. Her feast day is April 20.