Saint Agnes was blessed from birth. She was not only beautiful, but she was born into a wealthy, Roman, Christian family in the 3rd century. Saint Agnes knew from a very young age that she would never marry. She chose Jesus Christ as her spouse, and wanted no other. Many young men desired her and when she refused them, they reported her to the Roman officials as a Christian.
The Roman governor offered her fabulous gifts if only she would reject Jesus and his teachings. Saint Agnes refused to deny Christ and she was sentenced to death. But first, she was taken through the streets of Rome, completely naked! God performed a miracle and caused her hair to grow and grow and completely cover her nakedness.
Then Saint Agnes was tied to a stake with wood piled around her. She was going to be burned to death, but another miracle occurred and the wood would not burn! Finally, Saint Agnes was beheaded. She was only 12 or 13 years old when she died a martyr for her beloved, Jesus.
Saint Agnes is the patron saint of girls and chastity. If you are a young girl, or if you struggle with purity, you might want to ask Saint Agnes to intercede for you. She will ask her true love, our Lord Jesus Christ, to intercede on your behalf.