Born in Italy in 1268, she came from a family of nobles and, from a young age, had a deep devotion to The Lord. 

At the age of nine, she asked her parents for permission to join a local order known as The Sisters of the Sack, because of their humble religious habits, but it took special permission from the Pope because she was so young, and that permission was granted. 

In 1281, she was sent with several other Sisters to found a new monastery, and, there at the age of just fourteen, she was given control of their finances. 

Agnes was known for her great love of The Blessed Sacrament which, combined with her many leadership skills, led to her being named Abbess when she was just twenty years old. 

Before long, she also gained a reputation for miracles. Although her own health was always a struggle, Agnes healed many who had mental and physical ailments. On several occasions, she multiplied loaves of bread and fish. 

She also had visions and, in one, was told to build a Church in honor of The Blessed Mother which she did, overseeing the construction of Santa Maria Novella in Florence. 

After having visions of St. Dominic Guzman, she instructed her order to follow the Rule of St. Augustine.

She died on this day in 1317. 

St. Agnes of Montepulciano, please pray for us.