Reflection: Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr

We celebrate today the Feast Day of Saint Agnes of Rome. She was a martyr and is the patron saint of girls. According to tradition, she promised Jesus that He would be her spouse.

When she rejected suitors, she was punished for being a Christian. She was placed in a brothel.  Miraculously, she left unharmed.  One man attempted to violate her and he was struck blind. She prayed for him and he was healed. During the persecutions of Christians which were ordered by Diocletian, 13 year old Agnes was murdered.

The name Agnes means lamb. Amidst great sufferings and persecutions, she had courage and remained steadfast in her love and promise she made to Jesus, the Lamb of God.

Agnus Dei, qui tolis peccata mundi,
Lamb of God, who take away sins of world,
dona nobis pacem. grant us peace.

We are witnessing persecution and martyrdom of Christians throughout the world today. Saint Agnes is our powerful intercessor. We can ask her to help us have courage and to witness to Jesus. He dispels the darkness and shines His beautiful light.

Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, grant us peace in our hearts, in our families, in our country and in the world.

O Blood and Water which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a Fount of Mercy for us, I trust in You. Jesus I trust in You.  From the Chaplet of Divine Mercy