Memorial of Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr

Memorial of Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr




St. Agnes was one of the virgin martyrs.  She died sometime in the early 4th Century.  St. Ambrose (as Church Father from the 4th Century as well) wrote that she was only twelve years old at the time of her death.  He describes that other girls her age can't stand to have their parents frown at them and will cry at a tiny pin prick as if they received a mortal wound, but Agnes remained faithful and courageous as she faced her tormentors.  No one would have expected that of her at the time, but now we are celebrating her memorial over a thousand years later, honoring her for her great example of faith.



King David didn't seem all that special either.  In the first reading today, Samuel thought for sure the Lord's chosen was one of his older brothers.  God had chosen him to be king though.  Neither David nor Agnes seemed like people we would one day turn to as examples of the faith when they were starting out in life, yet that is precisely what we are doing today.  May their examples of faith help us in our own lives.