St. Agnes of Rome Patron Saint of Young Girls

St. Agnes of Rome was a young martyr who lived in the early 4th century. She is venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church and is considered a patron saint of chastity, purity, and girls.

Agnes was born into a wealthy and influential Roman family, but she rejected the wealthy and luxurious lifestyle of her peers in favor of a life devoted to God. When she was just a young teenager, she refused to marry a wealthy suitor and instead dedicated herself to a life of virginity. This enraged her suitor and his family, and they accused her of being a Christian. 

At the time, the Roman Empire was hostile towards Christians, and Agnes faced persecution and torture for her faith. Despite the pain and suffering she endured, Agnes remained steadfast in her faith and refused to renounce it. She was eventually sentenced to death and was martyred at the young age of 13.

Agnes’ bravery and faith in the face of persecution made her an inspiration to other Christians, and she quickly became a popular saint in the early Christian Church. She is remembered for her purity, chastity, and devotion to God, and her feast day is celebrated on January 21st by the Catholic Church.

Throughout the centuries, Agnes has been depicted in art and literature as a young girl with a lamb, symbolizing her innocence and purity. She is also often depicted holding a palm branch, a symbol of her martyrdom.

Agnes’ story has inspired many people throughout the centuries, and she continues to be a beloved and revered saint in the Catholic Church.

Blessing of the Lambs on the Feast of St. Agnes

The Catholic Church celebrates the feast of St. Agnes on January 21st with the traditional blessing of the lambs.

The blessing of the lambs on the feast of St. Agnes is a traditional ceremony that takes place on January 21st, the feast day of St. Agnes of Rome. St. Agnes is often depicted in art and literature as a young girl with a lamb, symbolizing her innocence and purity.

During the blessing of the lambs ceremony, a priest blesses a group of lambs, which are then used to produce the wool that is woven into the palliums (a liturgical vestment worn by the Pope and certain bishops). The ceremony takes place in the Basilica of St. Agnes Outside the Walls in Rome, which is dedicated to St. Agnes and is located near the site of her martyrdom.

The blessing of the lambs ceremony is a way for Catholics to honor St. Agnes and to remember her story of purity and devotion to God. It is also a reminder of the innocent lamb of God, Jesus Christ, who was sacrificed for the salvation of humanity.

Popular St. Agnes Medal, Rosary, and Prayer Cards

Images of St. Agnes often depict St. Agnes as a young girl with long hair that miraculously grew to hide her body when she was stripped in front of the crowds during her persecution. In her arms she is often depicted holding a lamb or at her feet, representing her youthful innocence.

Our hand pressed St. Agnes Medal and rosary depicts her holding a palm and a sword. Many images also show St. Agnes of Rome with two crowns, the holy crown of virginity and the crown of martyrdom.

St. Ambrose’s Writings About St. Agnes

St. Ambrose wrote about St. Agnes of Rome in his book “On Virgins,” which is a collection of sermons and writings on the virtues of virginity and consecrated life. In his writings, St. Ambrose praises St. Agnes for her courage and faith in the face of persecution and torture. He describes her as a model of purity and devotion to God, and as a powerful intercessor for those who pray to her.

St. Ambrose also wrote about the miraculous events that took place at St. Agnes’ tomb after her martyrdom, including the healing of the sick and the conversion of pagans to Christianity. He encouraged Christians to turn to St. Agnes for help and guidance, and to seek her intercession in their own lives.

Today is the birthday of a virgin; let us imitate her purity. It is the birthday of a martyr; let us offer ourselves in sacrifice. It is the birthday of Saint Agnes, who is said to have suffered martyrdom at the age of twelve. There was little or no room in that small body for a wound. Yet she shows no fear of the blood-stained hands of her executioners. She offers her whole body to be put to the sword by fierce soldiers. She is too young to know of death, yet is ready to face it. Dragged against her will to the altars, she stretches out her hands to the Lord in the midst of the flames, making the triumphant sign of Christ the victor on the altars of sacrilege.

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Miracles at the Tomb of St. Agnes

According to tradition, several miraculous events have occurred at the tomb of St. Agnes of Rome after her martyrdom. St. Ambrose, a 4th-century bishop and Doctor of the Church, wrote about these events in his book “On Virgins.”

One of the most famous miraculous events associated with St. Agnes’ tomb is the healing of the sick. According to tradition, people who were suffering from various illnesses and ailments were cured after visiting the tomb and praying for St. Agnes’ intercession.

Another miraculous event associated with St. Agnes’ tomb is the conversion of pagans to Christianity. Some accounts say that people who visited the tomb were inspired to convert to Christianity after experiencing the presence of God there.

There are also stories of St. Agnes appearing in visions or dreams to people who prayed to her, offering guidance and encouragement. These miraculous events are seen as signs of St. Agnes’ ongoing intercession and the power of her prayers to bring people closer to God.

Prayers to St. Agnes of Rome

O dear St. Agnes, virgin and martyr, who at the tender age of thirteen bore witness to your faith in Jesus Christ even to the point of death, we honor you today as a model of purity and steadfastness.

Grant us the grace to follow your example of devotion to Christ, even in the face of persecution and temptation. Help us to embrace the virtue of chastity and to always strive for holiness in all our thoughts and actions.

Intercede for us with the Lord, that we may persevere in faith and attain eternal life with Him. Amen.

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Prayer to St. Agnes for Children

St. Agnes, although you were only a child,
you believed that Jesus was always with you;
help us to remember that he is also with us,
and to remain true to his presence.

St. Agnes, you refused to give up your faith;
help us to be proud of our faith,
to love it, to be strong in it,
and to give witness to it daily.

St. Agnes, patron saint of children,
watch over the children of the world;
keep them safe from harm;
be with them in their hour of need;
and always pray for them.
Amen.

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Prayer to St. Agnes for Strength

O Little St. Agnes,
so young and yet made so strong
and wise by the power of God,
protect by your prayers
all the young people of every place
whose goodness and purity are threatened by the evils
and impurities of this world.

Give them strength in temptation
and a true repentance when they fail.
Help them to find true Christian friends
to accompany them in following the Lamb of God
and finding safe pastures in His Church
and in her holy sacraments.

May you lead us
to the wedding banquet of heaven
to rejoice with you and all the holy virgin martyrs in Christ
who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.

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