Agnes bore the sufferings of Christ in her body,
that his life might be manifest in her, alleluia.

tiepolo-madonna-and-dominican-saints

From the Dominican Ordo:

Saint Agnes was born at Gracciano, Italy, in 1268 and entered a monastery at Montepulciano at the age of nine.  At the age of fifteen by indult of the Holy See she was appointed superior of a monastery of nuns at Viterbo.  In response to the entreaties of the people of Montepulciano she returned there in 1306 to take charge of a newly founded monastery which followed the Rule of St. Augustine.  A few years later she placed this monastery under the direction of the Order of Preachers and sought evangelical perfection according to the way of Saint Dominic.  Agnes was devoted to the infant Jesus and the Virgin Mary, manifested the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and was a model of prayer and charity.  She worked for civil peace and unity.  Saint Catherine of Siena regarded her as her “glorious mother.”  She died on April 20, 1317.

For more on the life of Saint Agnes, click here and here.

Merciful God,
you adorned Agnes, your bride,
with a marvelous fervor in prayer.
By imitating her example,
may we always hold fast to you in spirit
and so come to enjoy the abundant fruits of holiness.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever. Amen.

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