Agnes 			January 21
Child Martyr at Rome
Nothing certain can be deduced as to the date or manner of Agnes’ death. It was traditionally thought to be about 304 during the Diocletian persecution, but more recent studies suggest a date about 350. She was one of the most famous and widely-celebrated early martyrs of Rome. Her veneration as a martyr points to the growing cult of virginity that was developing in the early church.
The earliest witness to her is the Depositio Martyrum of 354. About the same time, a shrine was built over her grave on the Via Nomentana in Rome. The Acts written in the fifth century, which tell her story, describe her as a devout girl of thirteen who refused marriage because of her dedication to Christ. She preferred death to any violation of her consecrated virginity.
Many legends and stories developed round Agnes, none of them of historical value. Agnes’ principal emblem is a lamb, probably because of the resemblance of her name to the Latin word for “lamb” (agnus). Pope Honorius (625-638) erected a basilica in place of the older shrine, and people still visit Agnes’ tomb and the surrounding catacomb beneath the basilica.
For Liturgical Use
Agnes is one of the most famous of early Roman martyrs. She is remembered for her dedication to Christ and her willingness to face martyrdom at the age of thirteen in preference to breaking her vow of virginity in favour of marriage. Her wide-spread veneration points to the growing value placed on virginity in the fourth century. There is little historical information about her, and even the traditional year of her death, 304, is by no means certain.
Sentence
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.	Matthew 5:8
Collects
Loving God,
you choose what is weak in the world
to shame the strong;
grant us so to cherish the memory
of your young martyr Agnes,
that we may share her pure and steadfast faith
in Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Jesus, you bless the pure in heart,
and you blessed Agnes,
who chose to be your lamb;
may we share her innocence
and become as little children.

Psalms 	45:10-17 	109:1-4, 25-30

Readings

Ecclesiasticus 51:1-3 	God is my deliverer
1 Corinthians 1:26-31 	God uses what is weak
Matthew 18:1-7 		Like a child

Post Communion Sentence
I am small and of little account, but I do not forget your commandments. 	Psalm 119:141