Agnes of Rome (291-304 AD)

This young saint’s courage inspired millions over the last two millennia . . .

St. Agnes of Rome

Feast Day: January 21
Canonized: Pre-Congregation

“A new kind of martyrdom!” exclaimed St. Ambrose, bishop of Milan. The assembly cheered and applauded. Ambrose was celebrating St. Agnes because she was a virgin, a martyr — and a child. She was executed in Rome in 304 AD during Emperor Diocletian’s vicious persecution.

Historians say that legends have embroidered the few facts we know about Agnes. But the stories are rooted in actual events. Agnes was a beautiful and soon-to-be marriageable young woman. Many young men pursued her, but she rebuffed them because she had consecrated her virginity to Christ.

One spurned suitor took revenge by reporting to the authorities that Agnes was a Christian. A judge tried to persuade her to recant. He threatened to torture her, but she did not flinch. Then he had her stripped at a brothel and urged young men to seduce her.

“You may stain your sword with my blood,” she said, “but you will never profane my body that I have consecrated to Christ.” All were so stunned by her presence that only one boy tried to touch her. Legend says he was struck blind — and that Agnes healed him.

Exasperated and egged on by her first accuser, the governor ordered her execution. Agnes was taken to the Stadium of Domitian where she courageously faced a nervous soldier who hacked her to death with his sword. Over the centuries, the little virgin martyr became one of the most popular saints in Christian history.

St. Ambrose said that “St. Agnes’ death taught us adults the meaning of valor while she was still a child. Agnes hurried to the place of her execution more joyfully than a bride goes to her wedding. And she was adorned not with plaited hair, but with Christ himself.”

This column is written for Legatus Magazine by Bert Ghezzi. He writes and speaks frequently about saints. Ghezzi’s books include “Voices of the Saints,” “Mystics and Miracles,” and “Saints at Heart.” Online: bertghezzi.com