St. Agnes of Rome

Feast Day: January 21

St. Agnes of Rome was a Christian martyr who lived in the 4th century and is revered as a saint in both the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church. 

Birth and Early Life: St. Agnes was born into a wealthy Christian family in Rome around 291 AD.Devotion to Christianity: From an early age, she dedicated her life to God and took a vow of chastity.

Persecution: During the reign of Emperor Diocletian, a period known for its intense persecution of Christians, Agnes was pursued by several young men for marriage. She refused all offers, declaring her commitment to remain a virgin and devoted to God.

Martyrdom: Her refusal angered the suitors and authorities. She was subsequently arrested and put on trial for being a Christian. Despite being subjected to various torments and humiliations, she remained steadfast in her faith. According to tradition, she was martyred at the age of 12 or 13, around 304 AD. The exact method of her martyrdom is debated, with some sources suggesting she was beheaded or burned at the stake.

Patronage:

St. Agnes is the patron saint of several causes, notably:

Chastity and Virginity: As a young girl who dedicated her virginity to God, she is a symbol of purity.

Betrothed Couples and Gardeners: Her commitment to spiritual betrothal and the etymology of her name (resembling the Latin word for "lamb," a symbol of purity) lend to these patronages.

Rape Survivors: Her story of resisting advances and remaining steadfast in her faith makes her a figure of strength and protection for those who have suffered sexual assault.

The Girl Scouts: Her youthful bravery and virtue make her an ideal patron for this youth organization.

Prayer to St. Agnes:

"O St. Agnes, brave and pure, who at a young age chose a heavenly spouse over earthly suitors, grant us your courage to remain steadfast in our faith. Teach us to value spiritual riches over worldly desires, and guide those who are lost, especially the youth, towards a path of purity and devotion. Protect us from harm, and intercede for us in our needs, as we strive to live a life pleasing to God. Amen."

Reflection:

Reflecting on the life of St. Agnes, we are reminded of the virtues of purity, faith, and courage. Her story teaches us the power of steadfastness in the face of adversity and the importance of prioritizing our spiritual commitments over worldly temptations. As a young girl who faced immense challenges, she serves as an inspiration, especially to the youth, to hold firm in their beliefs and moral convictions. In today's world, where moral challenges and societal pressures are abundant, the example set by St. Agnes can guide us in making choices that honor our faith and true selves.

Saint Emerentiana also known as St. Emerentia

Feast Day: January 23


Saint Emerentiana was the milk sister of Saint Agnes for Emerentiana's mother was the nanny and wet nurse of Saint Agnes. One of the obscure saints and a Roman virgin- martyr, who lived in the 3rd century,

Emerentiana was much of the same age as St. Agnes when she suffered martyrdom. This little girl was a catechumen and was still learning about Christianity before she was even officially baptized. Martyrs, as catholic believe, are "baptized by blood".

A few days after St Agnes' death, Emerentiana she was found weeping and praying by her tomb.  The pagans who were as furious as ever, attacked the little girl but Emerentiana refused to leave the place, claiming she was a Christian. Emerentiana was stoned to death by the crowd of pagans and her
body was buried alongside Agnes.

Emerentiana's relics were recovered near the Church of Saint Agnes on the Via Nomentana when it was being restored during the reign of Pope Paul V. The relics were later transferred to the Basilica of Saint Agnes. The body of Saint Agnes lies under the altar, together with that of her milk sister Saint Emerentiana.

Emerentiana is represented as a young girl who either carries stones in her lap, also with a palm/lilies in her hand, or a girl being stoned to death by a mob.

Patronage:

She is the patron saint of stomach problems, including colic and stomach aches, likely due to her representation with stones, which might symbolize these ailments.

In remembrance of St. Emerentiana, here's a reflective prayer:

"O Holy St. Emerentiana, brave defender of faith and follower of St. Agnes, inspire us with your courage to stand firm in our beliefs. Guide those who suffer from stomach ailments towards healing and comfort. May your story remind us of the strength found in faith and the power of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. Amen."

Reflections:  

* St Agnes lived her faith by example and Emerentiana is the first fruit of her labor.  Emerentiana stood up to the pagans out of love and fidelity to what Agnes believed in. These two saints bore witness to
their faith and it is through the witness of lives such as these that others will come to believe and find salvation as well.

As Christians, it is through our works that others will come to see the faith that we have in God.  May others see our good works and give glory to our God.

*The life and martyrdom of St. Emerentiana teach us about the power of conviction and the strength to stand up for our beliefs. Her story is a testament to the enduring power of faith and a reminder that even in the face of great trials, our beliefs can give us the courage to face any challenge.

Saint Ines (Saint Agnes)

Feast Day: January 21


Saint Agnes who also goes by the name of Saint Ines (c. 291 – c. 304) was a member of the Roman nobility and raised in a Christian family. At age 12 or 13 year old Agnes suffered martyrdom in the time of the persecutions of Christians during the reign of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. She has a foster sister, Emerentiana, who like her became a saint.

The Prefect Sempronius wanted Agnes to marry his son but when Agnes refused, he reported her to the authorities as being a Christian. Ines/Agnes was condemned to death but as Roman law did not permit the
execution of virgins, they planned to rape her as a sacrifice to the gods they worshiped.  The authorities had the naked Agnes dragged through the streets to a brothel but her purity was miraculously preserved.

Legend has it that while walking the streets, she prayed to the Lord and this was answered by making her hair grow to cover up her body. Another legend says that the men who attempted to rape her were struck blind immediately.  There was also a story about one being struck dead but when Agnes prayed for him the man was revived.  Since none of them succeeded, they tried to burn St Agnes at the stake but the wood didn't burn even a slightest bit.  Because of this, a frustrated lieutenant decided to take matters into his own hands and ended up beheading Agnes with a sword.

She maybe too young to know of death, yet she bravely faced it than be offered to the pagan gods and lose her virginity by rape.  Being the good Christian that she was, she showed awesome virtue and gave up her life for her faith. Her virginity and heroism are renowned and has help bring an end to the persecutions.

One of Emperor Constantine's daughters built a church where Agnes was buried.

Patronage: 

Saint Ines is the patron saint of young girls, chastity, rape survivors, and gardeners. She is often invoked by those seeking guidance in maintaining their faith and purity.

Prayer to Saint Ines:

"O Saint Ines, pure and devoted servant of Christ, you who bravely faced persecution and martyrdom at a tender age for the love of your Divine Spouse, guide us in our journey. Help us to remain steadfast in faith and purity, standing courageously against the challenges of this world. May your example of virtue and your intercession lead us closer to Christ. Amen."

Reflection:

*Reflecting on Saint Ines's life, we are reminded of the virtues of faith, courage, and purity. Her story teaches us the value of standing firm in our beliefs, even in the face of great adversity. It encourages young people, especially, to stay true to their convictions and to trust in God's plan for their lives. Her unwavering commitment to her faith at such a young age is a testament to the strength that can be found in devotion and a deep relationship with God. In our daily lives, we can look to Saint Ines as a source of inspiration and guidance in maintaining our integrity and faith.

*St. Agnes' martyrdom inspire us to be pure, courageous and loyal to our God. Agnes had the courage and the faith to act as boldly as she did in standing up for the teachings of Christ. She trusted the Lord no matter what. We, too, must believe and trust God and pray in humility and patience especially when we are in most need of help.   Let us pray to gain that confidence to fight our own battles and to be courageous witnesses of God.