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| Sant'Agnese di Montepulciano, ora pro nobis |
Deus, qui sponsam tuam Agnetem miro decorasti orationis ardore, concede ut eius imitatione, tibi mentibus semper intenti, copiosum pietatis fructum exinde consequi valeamus. Per Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum Filium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti, Deus, per omnia saecula saeculorum. Amen.
April 20th is the Feast of St. Agnes of Montepulciano, Virgin, Mystic, Miracle Worker, Dominican Nun, and Prioress. Born circa 1268 to a noble family in the hamlet of Gracciano Vecchio, Siena, she joined a convent of sisters known as “Saccate” from their distinct dress and consecrated herself to God at the age of nine.
At fifteen she was chosen by her novice mistress Sister Margherita to help found a new monastery at Proceno, Viterbo. There, St. Agnes was elected against her will to be the new community’s prioress.
According to tradition St. Agnes miraculously received Holy Communion from an angel for nine Sundays in a row. On another occasion, a heavenly messenger gave her a handful of soil from the Garden of Gethsemane and a shard of a basin the Virgin Mary used to bathe the Child Jesus. On the Feast of the Assumption, Our Lady appeared to St. Agnes and let her hold the Infant Jesus in her arms. Reluctant to give Him up, she snatched a small cross from around His neck.
In addition to visions, St. Agnes also performed many miracles, including healing the sick, converting sinners, and delivering people possessed by demons. On several occasions, while feeding the poor and hungry, the depleted food rations miraculously multiplied so there was enough for everyone.
Receiving a vision of San Domenico, St. Agnes obeyed his command and joined the Dominican Order. In 1306 she returned to Montepulciano and established a Dominican monastery dedicated to Santa Maria Novella in Gracciano, which she governed until her death.
St. Agnes died at midnight on April 20, 1317, and is said the children of Montepulciano awoke weeping to their parents that Sister Agnes had died and is a saint. After her death, many healing miracles have taken place around her tomb. The blind, lame and crippled were healed after touching a precious liquid that secreted from her fingertips.
In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Agnes of Montepulciano in Latin and English. The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The holy card is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts. Evviva Sant’Agnese di Montepulciano!
Prayer to St. Agnes of Montepulciano
O God, who adorned Agnes, Your bride, with a marvelous fervor in prayer, grant that by imitating her example, we may always hold fast to You in spirit, and so come to enjoy the abundant fruits of holiness. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.
At fifteen she was chosen by her novice mistress Sister Margherita to help found a new monastery at Proceno, Viterbo. There, St. Agnes was elected against her will to be the new community’s prioress.
According to tradition St. Agnes miraculously received Holy Communion from an angel for nine Sundays in a row. On another occasion, a heavenly messenger gave her a handful of soil from the Garden of Gethsemane and a shard of a basin the Virgin Mary used to bathe the Child Jesus. On the Feast of the Assumption, Our Lady appeared to St. Agnes and let her hold the Infant Jesus in her arms. Reluctant to give Him up, she snatched a small cross from around His neck.
In addition to visions, St. Agnes also performed many miracles, including healing the sick, converting sinners, and delivering people possessed by demons. On several occasions, while feeding the poor and hungry, the depleted food rations miraculously multiplied so there was enough for everyone.
Receiving a vision of San Domenico, St. Agnes obeyed his command and joined the Dominican Order. In 1306 she returned to Montepulciano and established a Dominican monastery dedicated to Santa Maria Novella in Gracciano, which she governed until her death.
St. Agnes died at midnight on April 20, 1317, and is said the children of Montepulciano awoke weeping to their parents that Sister Agnes had died and is a saint. After her death, many healing miracles have taken place around her tomb. The blind, lame and crippled were healed after touching a precious liquid that secreted from her fingertips.
In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Agnes of Montepulciano in Latin and English. The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The holy card is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts. Evviva Sant’Agnese di Montepulciano!
Prayer to St. Agnes of Montepulciano
O God, who adorned Agnes, Your bride, with a marvelous fervor in prayer, grant that by imitating her example, we may always hold fast to You in spirit, and so come to enjoy the abundant fruits of holiness. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.