St. Agnes.
St. Agnes was a Roman girl who died in 304. She was just twelve years old when she suffered martyrdom for her faith. Although few historical details remain, St. Agnes has always been popular. This is especially because St. Ambrose and other well-known early Church saints have written about her. Agnes loved Jesus so much that she chose only him for her husband. Since she was beautiful, many young men wished to marry her. However, Agnes wanted to give her heart only to Jesus. She would always say, "Jesus is my only husband." She even turned down the governor's son, who became very angry. He tried to win her for his wife with gifts and promises. Agnes just kept telling him, "I am already promised to the Lord."
Agnes was accused of being a Christian and brought to the governor. The governor promised Agnes wonderful gifts if she would only deny God, but the girl refused. The governor tried to scare her by putting her in chains, but even then she did not back down. Agnes suffered other tortures. Finally, she was condemned and killed.
Agnes is buried in a cemetery named after her. In 354, Emperor Constantine's daughter built a large church there and had Agnes' body placed under the altar.
How do I respond to the call of the Lord to love- loving to the point of forgetting myself for the sake of others and giving myself without counting?
St. Vincent of Saragossa.
Vincent was martyred in Spain in 304. This was the same year that Agnes was martyred in Rome. They both were victims of the cruel persecution of Emperor Dacian.
Vincent had grown up in Saragossa, Spain. He was educated by the bishop, St. Valerius. The bishop had made Vincent a deacon. Even though Vincent was quite young, Valerius recognized his talents and goodness. Bishop Valerius asked him to preach and teach about Jesus and the Church.
Emperor Dacian arrested both Valerius and Vincent. He kept them in jail for a long time. They would not let themselves become downhearted. Both remained faithful to Jesus. Then the emperor sent Bishop Valerius into exile, but he sent Deacon Vincent to be cruelly tortured.
Vincent asked the Holy Spirit for strength. He wanted to be true to Jesus no matter how terrible things would be for him. The Lord granted him that strength. Deacon Vincent remained peaceful through all his sufferings. When the torture sessions were over, he was returned to prison where he converted the jailer. Finally, the emperor gave in and permitted people to visit Vincent. The Christians came and cared for his wounds. They tried their best to make him comfortable. It was not long before he died.
Let us pray today in the words of St. Vincent: 'God fill us with your Spirit and strengthen us in your love'
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