The feast of Saint Agnes of Rome is coming up this month, on January 21st to be precise, and we are going to celebrate her this year. Saint Agnes is one of Gram’s namesakes (her middle name is Agnes), and was the name of her favorite aunt as well. With Gram’s memory in decline, I’m trying to find ways to commemorate what she does remember and find ways to spark and share those memories.
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In Case You Didn’t Know . . .
Saint Agnes is one of 7 women mentioned in the Roman Canon of the mass, which is pretty cool. Most of what we know about her is legend, but there are records of her being venerated as a saint as early as the time of Saint Ambrose.
What we know goes something like this: She was born to a noble family in the 3rd century AD, during the time of the reign of Emperor Diocletian. She was very beautiful and had many suitors, but was committed to her faith and to chastity. One of these men, upset that she dismissed his advances, turned her in as a Christian. She was only about 12 or 13.
It’s said that the prefect had her dragged through the streets naked, but her hair grew and covered her whole body. Then his son became ill to the point of death, becoming well when she prayed for him.
When she was sentenced to death for being a Christian, she was sentenced to being burned at the stake, but despite all efforts, the wood would not burn. The officer in charge then beheaded her with his sword.
Iconography
Saint Agnes is depicted holding a lamb, because her name is similar to the latin word agnus, which means lamb (also noted for the name of Jesus- Lamb of God). She also holds a martyr’s palm.
Saint Agnes Resources for Kids
Martyrs can be tricky saints to address with kids, but I’ve found that mine really appreciate their stories (read more on that here). So here are a few ways that we are going to celebrate St. Agnes.
Doily Lambs from Easy Peasy and Fun are great for helping preschoolers remember how to recognize St. Agnes
This coloring page of St. Agnes from Schola Rosa is based off of a painting, which you can find alongside it on their website. Gianna loves to color pages that are based on paintings, and I love the chance it gives us to talk about art.
The painting it is based on is one done by Andrea di Bonaiuto, a Florentine artist living in the 1300s. For more on his life and other works you can click on over here.
Saint Agnes also appears in this beautiful book on Women Saints.
The “Easter Bunny” gave this book to G two years ago, and it is stunning. I love the vibrant, watercolor illustrations, and I love the women that are included. My absolute favorite part about it is the beginning, where the author writes that she would like to introduce the reader to some friends of hers.
Happy Liturgical Living
I hope you enjoy celebrating St. Agnes as much as I think we will. We will probably finish off our day with a special grown up dinner in her honor- lamb take out!