St. Agnes of Montepulciano

Saint Agnes of Montepulciano

Virgin

Agnes was born to a wealthy Italian family in the year of Our Lord 1268. By the age of six, she was constantly asking her parents to be allowed to join a convent. At the age of nine, she was granted extraordinary permission to join the local Franciscans, known as the “Sackins” or “Sisters of the Sack” for their rough sackcloth habits. Her piety and maturity were so impressive that when she was still just fifteen years old, Pope Nicholas IV gave special permission for her to become the abbess of a new Dominican convent in Proceno. Agnes remained beloved in her hometown, and when she was about thirty the people of Montepulciano convinced her to return and lead another new Dominican convent they had built for her. All her life, Agnes fasted on bread and water and slept with a stone for a pillow, until her spiritual directors guided her to reduce these austerities due to a lingering illness. She was renowned for many miracles and the gift of prophecy. Agnes died at her convent in Montepulciano at the age of forty-nine, and many more miracles occurred at the tomb of her incorrupt body. The great Dominican St. Catherine of Siena venerated her as “our mother, the glorious Agnes”.

Traditional Roman Martyrology for April 20th

AT Rome, the holy martyrs Sulpicius and Servilian, who were converted to the faith of Christ by the discourses and the miracles of the holy virgin Domitilla. Having refused to sacrifice to the idols, they were beheaded by Anian, prefect of the city, in the persecution of Trajan.

The same day, the holy martyrs Victor, Zoticus, Zeno, Acindinus, Caesareus, Severian, Chrysophorus, Theonas, and Antoninus, who suffered martyrdom after undergoing various trials.

At Tomis, in Scythia, St. Theotimus, bishop, whose great sanctity and miracles procured him the veneration of unbelieving barbarians.

At Embrun, in France, St. Marcellin, first bishop of that city, who by divine inspiration came from Africa with his holy companions Vincent and Domninus, and converted to the faith of Christ the greatest portion of the inhabitants of the maritime Alps, by his preaching and the wonderful prodigies, which he still continues to work.

At Auxerre, St. Marcian, a priest.

The same day, St. Theodore, confessor, surnamed Trichinas, from the rough hair garment which he wore. He was renowned for many miracles, but especially for his power over the demons. From his body issues a liquid which imparts health to the sick.

At Monte-Pulciano, St. Agnes, a virgin, of the Order of St. Dominic, celebrated for miracles.

℣. And elsewhere many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.

℟. Thanks be to God.