Born at the end of the third century in Rome, Agnes came from a wealthy Christian family. 

She was also quite beautiful and by the time she was in her early teens, many young men were already asking for her hand in marriage. 

Very little is known with certainty about Agnes, but according to legend, with each suiter came this response; “I am already promised to the Lord.”

The young men she’s spurned did not like her refusal. One of them, the son of the governor, went before his father and accused her of being a Christian. The governor had Agnes arrested and offered her great gifts if she would only recant her faith but she refused. So, the governor had her bound in chains and sent to prison. Then he sent her to a brothel, but she was defended by an Angel. 

A host of stories about Agnes, and her continued torture, includes an attempt to burn her alive, but the flames never touched her. 

However, one thing all of these stories agree on, is that Agnes never denied her faith. 

Finally, she was beheaded around the year 304. 

Saint Agnes, please pray for us.