St. Agnes was martyred at the end of the persecution of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, probably in the early years of the 4th century. She is thought to have been as young as 12 years of age. Although few reliable details of how she met her death are recorded in writing, Church writers and poets praised her conviction of faith and her heroism. All those who have written about her martyrdom have agreed: she was very young when she gave her life to preserve her integrity.
The name “Agnes” comes from the Latin word for “lamb” (i.e., Agnus Dei), so traditionally on this feast the wool from two lambs is presented, it is solemnly blessed at a pontifical Mass, and then offered to the Pope. This wool goes into the making of what is called the “pallium” – which the pope and archbishops around the world are entitled to wear over their liturgical vestments (as seen here around the collar of Pope Francis).
Let us pray. “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. Help us to remain true to His presence in all we say and do. You refused to give up your faith: help us to be proud of our faith, to be strong in it, and to give witness to it daily. Patron saint of children, watch over the children of our parish and of the world: keep them safe from harm; be with them in their hour of need; and always intercede for them. We ask all of this through Christ our Lord. Amen.”
