Saint Bertha of Blangy

Biography

Saint Agnes of Assisi, also known as Agnes of Assisi, was born in 1197 in Assisi, Italy. She was the daughter of Count Favorino Scifi and Blessed Hortulana, and grew up in various castles in and around Assisi. Agnes had a younger sister named Clare, who would later become Saint Clare of Assisi. Agnes' deep devotion to God and desire for a life of prayer and solitude led her to leave home at the young age of fifteen, just two weeks after Clare had made her own departure. Agnes joined the Benedictines at San Angelo di Panzo, where she dedicated herself to a life of contemplation and service to God. However, her family was vehemently opposed to Agnes' decision and attempted to forcefully bring her back home. Several knights were unable to move her as her body became extremely heavy. In another incident, her uncle Monaldo tried to beat her but was temporarily paralyzed. Faced with these miraculous occurrences, Agnes' family eventually gave up and left her and Clare in peace. In 1221, a group of Benedictine nuns from Monticelli approached Saint Francis of Assisi, seeking to become Poor Clares. As a response, Saint Francis appointed Agnes as their abbess. Agnes embraced this new responsibility and led the group of nuns to a life of poverty and prayer, following the example of Saint Clare and the teachings of Saint Francis. While serving as abbess, Agnes expressed in her writings her longing for Clare and the other nuns at San Damiano. Her desire to be reunited with them became stronger as time passed. In the years that followed, Agnes established several other Poor Clare monasteries in northern Italy, spreading the charism of the order. In 1253, when Clare was nearing the end of her life, Agnes was called back to San Damiano. She joined her sister in her final days and was by her side when Clare passed away. Agnes, deeply affected by the loss, followed Clare in death three months later. Saint Agnes of Assisi is often depicted as a young Poor Clare nun holding a book. She is frequently depicted alongside Saint Clare of Assisi, emphasizing their close bond as sisters. Another representation of Agnes shows her being dragged by her hair from a convent, symbolizing the family's attempts to force her to return home. Agnes was buried in the Santa Chiara church in Assisi, Italy. Miracles were reported to have occurred at her tomb, confirming her sanctity. Pope Benedict XIV confirmed the cultus, or religious veneration, of Saint Agnes in 1753. She is considered the patron saint of Poor Clares, honoring her dedication to the order and her role as an abbess. Saint Agnes of Assisi's life serves as an inspiring example of devotion to God, the pursuit of a contemplative life, and the willingness to endure hardships for one's faith. Her unwavering commitment to serving God and her sisterhood with Saint Clare continue to inspire and guide the lives of many to this day.