#3711 Saint Agness

Saint Agnes of Rome, born in 291 AD, became a nun at age 12. Agnes was beautiful and rich. Agnes resolved never to tarnish her innocence. She revered the Lord and hated sin more than dying. Agnes would inform suitors, "Jesus Christ is my sole spouse." Prefect Sempronius carried Agnes naked to a brothel. According to one account, when she prayed, her hair covered her torso. All men who tried to rape her were allegedly stricken blind. She was freed after praying for the prefect's son's resurrection. Sempronius refused to preside over St. Agnes' trial, allowing another figure to sentence her to death.