Agnes of Rome

Saint Agnes of Rome was born around 291 into a noble Roman family and was raised in the Christian faith. While still an adolescent—only about twelve or thirteen—she resolved to belong wholly to Christ, guarding her purity of heart and body. During the persecution under Emperor Diocletian, her refusal to marry and to renounce the Lord provoked powerful suitors and officials. Brought before authorities and pressured even by her own father to deny God, Agnes remained steadfast. Tradition recounts that she was publicly humiliated and threatened with violence, yet God preserved her dignity and used her prayer to touch hearts. When attempts to kill her by fire failed, she was finally put to death by the sword on 21 January 304, sealing her witness as a virgin martyr. From the earliest centuries she has been honored throughout the Church, often shown with a lamb as a sign of innocence and of her name. She is a patron for those seeking chastity and purity, and of young girls. Her feast day is January 21.