The life of St. Agnes is known primarily by Sacred Tradition. She was about 12 or 13 years old when the Roman Emperor Diocletian was persecuting Christians. When her faith was discovered, she was sentenced to give a sacrifice to the pagan god Minerva and then be forced into a life of prostitution. When led to the pagan altar she made the sign of the cross and refused to make a sacrifice, then said that she would rather accept death than insult her heavenly spouse. She was tortured, then martyred. She was buried in the catacombs which now bear her name. A church was eventually erected on the spot of her martyrdom in Rome’s Piazza Navona that contains her relics, and her name is read in the first Eucharistic prayer.
CHALLENGE
St. Agnes is the patron saint of chastity and engaged couples, and in 2022 Pope Francis called for more marriage preparation and for the Church to provide continued support after a couple is wed. Today, contact your parish or your diocesan office of marriage and family life and see how you can help in these areas.
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