There is no denying that we have a lot to learn from history. There have been many events and iconic people that have changed the course of history over the years. Some might be nameless, some might be treated as Saints, but most of them are just regular people. So is the story of Agnes of Rome, a normal woman who believed in the Almighty and lived in Italy at the end of the 3rd century.
She is and will always be remembered for her courage and resilience. Agnes of Rome was courted by a governor’s son who proposed marriage, but her heart was telling her she had a different purpose on Earth.
She left the Earth as a virgin martyr. It is said that after refusing to marry the governor’s son, she made a promise to God that included a vow of virginity. She is a great example of loyalty for Christians everywhere. It’s because she promised herself to God and could not bare the thought of another man having her.
Currently, she is celebrated and loved by most churches. Agnes of Rome is considered the patron saint of women, virgins, and victims of sexual abuse. As a side note, her feast day falls on the 21st of January.
What Can You Learn from Saint Agnes of Rome?
Although her story is not exactly a happy one, there is always some good that you can take from any story. The most important thing that you can remember from the story of Saint Agnes of Rome is always to live listening to your heart. Remember, God makes a plan for each and every one of His children.
Even if your dreams and wishes don’t align with society’s or those of your friends or family’s, remember we are all unique and deserve to live a life true to us. At the end of your journey on Earth, only God will be allowed to judge you. Nobody else’s matters.
Live life like there is no tomorrow, help your brothers and sisters on Earth, as well as all of God’s creatures, and try to do as much good as you humanly can. Don’t live trying to impress anyone. And if you feel like you are stuck in a place where you don’t belong, live. This stands for relationships as well.
Don’t get discouraged because of tragic stories like these. Yes, Agnes was dragged and humiliated for not wanting to marry. And yes, the times have changed, or at least we like to say that people have changed a lot since biblical times, but the truth is there are bad people roaming the Earth at any time.
The truth is, Agnes of Rome was a survivor. And because she devoted her entire life and body to God, she was protected by her attackers. It is said that everyone who tried to rape her was immediately blinded, and as she was praying, her hair grew to cover her naked body. And although today we don’t have that guarantee, remember someone’s bad actions don’t define you.
The Story of Saint Agnes of Rome
The story of Saint Agnes of Rome is not exactly a joyful one, but given that we celebrate her as a Saint, you could say she won despite going through some traumatic things in her life. It is said that when Agnes was a young woman, a powerful man’s son wanted to marry her. Because she knew her calling in life was much larger than being someone’s wife, she dedicated her body, mind, and soul to the Heavenly Father.
After the harsh rejection, the man wanted to humiliate her and had people drag her naked body through the streets of Rome to a brothel where they would all humiliate her and take her virginity.
Mentally prepared to suffer for God in all shapes, ways, and forms, she prayed, knowing her end would be near. And as always, God answered. It is said that as the people were dragging her naked body, very thick and long hair grew to cover her, and an angel stopped her aggressors from pushing her into the brothel. Although she was ultimately killed for refusing to marry, she is special because she knew she would die a martyr, but to her, not even her own life could keep her from dedicating everything to her one true love – God.
Like Pope Benedict XVI once said: “Martyrdom — for St Agnes — meant generously and freely accepting to spend her young life totally and without reserve to ensure that the Gospel was proclaimed as the truth and beauty that illuminate existence. In Agnes’ martyrdom, which she courageously embraced in the Stadium of Domitian, the beauty of belonging to Christ without hesitation and of entrusting ourselves to him shines out forever.”
Why Is She Always Holding a Lamb?
There are many “lamb and sheep” references in the Holy Book. They are mainly used in Christianity as a symbol of God’s people. “Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.” (Matthew 25:32).
There is even a reference in the Bible that refers to Jesus as the “Lamb of God.” As we find out in John 1:29, “The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
In other places, the lamb is a symbol of purity and innocence. In the case of Agnes of Rome, she is most likely pictured with a lamb around or holding a lamb to prove her innocence further, her purity. She was just an innocent woman, not looking to cause trouble or hurt anyone.
It is even said that the man she refused was struck dead for his actions but revived after she prayed for him. Agnes decided that her life on Earth should be dedicated to God, and that’s what she did, even if it meant paying with the ultimate sacrifice.
