St. Agnes in Agony, Rome

St. Agnes was a virgin, martyred at only twelve years old. She is beloved to all Christians because of her courage and faith at the hands of her persecutors. St. Agnes remained true to Jesus Christ and pure of body and heart right up to the time of her death.

It is said that when St. Agnes was tied at the stake, ready to be burned, the Romans were not able to light the pyre. One of the soldiers then cut off her head with his sword.

The Church of St. Agnes in Agony now stands on the spot where she was martyred at Piazza Navona in Rome. Her skull is exhibited through a round glass window at the altar in the Church of St. Agnes in Agony. The church is a popular pilgrimage for many Christians who revere St. Agnes and her youthful purity. St. Agnes Day is celebrated on January 21.

St. Agnes References from the Brewer's Dictionary - 1894

Agnes? Day (St.),

21st January. Upon St. Agnes? night, you take a row of pins, and pull out every one, one after another. Saying a pater-noster, stick a pin in your sleeve, and you will dream of him or her you ?hall marry.-Aubrey: Miscellany, p. 136.

Agnes (St.)

is represented by Domenichino as kneeling on a pile of fagots, the fire extinguished, and the executioner about to slay her with the sword. The introduction of a lamb (agnus) is a modern innovation, and play on the name. St. Agnes is the patron of young virgins.

"St. Agnes was first tied to a stake, but the fire of the stakes went out; whereupon Aspasius, set to watch the martyrdom, drew his sword, and cut off her head."

Showing Reverence to St. Agnes

St. Agnes is the patron saint of young girls because she showed such courage as a girl herself. Many Christians give newborn girls and girls who are making their First Communion or Confirmation a St. Agnes medal as a reminder to them to remain courageous and true to their faith. The St. Agnes necklace is a favorite for girls to wear every day, showing reverence to this young, courageous martyr.