Agnes was born into a wealthy Roman Christian family around the year 291. According to the accounts that have come down through the centuries, she consecrated her virginity to Christ from a young age and refused several offers of marriage from suitors of high social standing, one of whom reported her Christian faith to the authorities during the persecution under Emperor Diocletian.
Despite being only about twelve years old, Agnes refused every pressure to renounce her faith or her vow, and was executed around the year 304. Her steadfastness at such a young age made a deep impression on the early Church, and she quickly became one of the most venerated virgin martyrs, remembered in the Roman Canon of the Mass itself.
Saint Agnes of Rome
Virgin and Martyr
A twelve-year-old Roman girl martyred during the persecution of Diocletian for refusing marriage in order to remain consecrated to Christ.
- Born
- 291
- Died
- 304
- Birthplace
- Rome, Italy
- Died in
- Rome, Italy
- Country
- Italy
- Century
- 4th century
Categories
Why People Pray to Saint Agnes of Rome
Saint Agnes is invoked by young people and by those seeking purity, chastity, and courage to hold firm to their convictions.
