A Lamb of God

In the witness of every young, virgin martyr, the religious finds renewed inspiration in how to live her vocation: to love Jesus Christ with an undivided and pure heart, to see Him as the Spouse of her soul, and to give this gift of love completely until death. We see this very example in the life and death of St. Agnes, whose feast we celebrate today. May this young virgin martyr pray for us and help us to live out our spousal union to Jesus Christ, Who has betrothed each of us. 

The Words of St. Agnes from the Divine Office

"With His ring my Lord Jesus Christ has betrothed me, and He has adorned me with the bridal crown."

"My right hand and my neck He has encircled with precious stones, and has given me earrings with priceless pearls; He has decked me with lovely, glittering gems."

"The Lord has clothed me with a robe of gold, He has adorned me with priceless jewels."

"Honey and milk have I received from His mouth, and His blood has reddened my cheeks."

"I love Christ, into whose chamber I shall enter, whose Mother is a virgin, whose Father knows not woman, whose music and melody are sweet to my ears. When I love Him, I remain chaste; when I touch Him, I remain pure; when I possess Him, I remain a virgin."

"I am betrothed to Him Whom angels serve, whose beauty the sun and the moon admire."

"For Him alone I keep my troth, to Him I surrender with all my heart."

Slideshow for Feast of St. Agnes