SAINT AGNES

Agnes, a daughter of the noblest families of Rome goes to meet the spouse (Gospel) and consecrates herself to Him at the age of ten. Jesus in return “works through her wonderful prodigies” (Gradual). At the age of thirteen (about 304), asked her in marriage by the son of the prefect of Rome , she replies: “the one whom I am betrothed is Christ whom the angels serve.

Then they attempted to dishonour her by violence but “God delivered her body from perdition,” (Epistle). She was thrown on a burning pile but “the flames did her no harm”.

When condemned to be beheaded, she thus encouraged the hesitating executioner: “Strike without fear, for the bride does her spouse an injury if she makes him wait.”

Her name is inscribed in the Canon of the Mass. A Benedictine convent is attached to the Basilica of St. Agnes, built over her tomb. On this altar every year January 21 the Abbot General of the Canons Regular of Lateran blesses two lambs. Then they are brought to the Vatican , where the Pope blesses them again and entrust them to the nuns, who rear them till Good Friday, and weave palliums from their wool. The pallium is the special insignia of Archbishops and also, by priviledge, of a few Bishops. It consists of a narrow and of white woolen stuff and is worn over the chasuble.

THE SECOND FEAST OF ST. AGNES

January 28 is the birthday of St. Agnes. As it coincided with her “octave-day” a legend grew, saying that she appeared on that day to her parents praying at her tomb, surrounded by a “bevy of virgins” (introit), resplendent with light; on her right hand was seen a lamb (agnus) whiter than snow.

COLLECT:

1. O Almighty and everlasting God who dost choose the weak things of the world, to confound the strong, mercifully grant, that we who celebrate the solemnity of blessed Agnes, Thy virgin and martyr, may experience her intercession with Thee.

Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, Amen.

2. O God who each year dost gladden us by the feats of blessed Agnes, Thy virgin and martyr, grant we beseech Thee, that while venerating her memory, we may ever strive to model our lives after her holy example, through our Lord, Jesus Christ, Amen.