January 21, 2024

Feast of Sant'Agnese di Roma

Sant'Agnese di Roma, ora pro nobis
January 21st is the Feast of Sant'Agnese (St. Agnes of Rome), Virgin and Martyr. Patron saint of young girls, virgins, gardeners, and rape victims, she is the principal protectress of Pineto (TE), Corropoli (TE), and Sava di Baronissi (SA). In celebration, we're posting a prayer to St. Agnes. The accompanying photo was taken at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan. Dating from the third quarter of the 17th century, the bronze statuette was modeled after a work by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Evviva Sant'Agnese di Roma!
Prayer to St. Agnes
O Little St. Agnes, so young and yet made so strong and wise by the power of God, protect by your prayers all the young people of every place whose goodness and purity are threatened by the evils and impurities of this world. Give them strength in temptation and a true repentance when they fail.  Help them to find true Christian friends to accompany them in following the Lamb of God and finding safe pastures in His Church and in her holy sacraments. May you lead us to the wedding banquet of heaven to rejoice with you and all the holy martyrs in Christ who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.