Saint Agnes

Daughter of early Christian parents

AD 291-304

Born: Rome. Italy

Survived: being dragged through the street naked, attempted rape, and bound to a stake to be burned

Died: Rome, beheading

Patron Saint of engaged couples, gardeners, chastity, virgins

The Diocletian persecution of Christians raged in Rome during the life of Agnes, a beautiful young woman who was raised in a Christian home. Because of her values she faced martyrdom at the early age of 12. She was a wealthy beautiful girl and many suitors in Rome had their eyes on marrying into her noble family. When it was realized that Agnes was not to marry she was turned in as a Christian to the Diocletian authorities and was dragged through the street and tortured publicly.

Painted with her long hair Agnes was humiliated by being stripped naked and an attempt at being publicly raped was made. Miraculously Agnes’ hair grew quickly to cover her nakedness and any attempt made by an aggressor to defile Agnes was met with blindness. The prefect’s son who had issued the attack on Agnes’ life was said to have been struck dead. Agnes prayed, the son was resurrected and then the prefect released her. A trial however continued and was presided over another judge after the prefect recused himself and Agnes was then sentenced to death by burning. The painting depicts the scene of Agnes being saved by the flames and the slash in her neck showing the ultimate last and final attempt to end her life.

A wonderful example of trust and faith in which her innocence was protected. Agnes loved her enemies and was a true servant who walked in humility.