April 20: Saint Agnes of Montepulciano

Today, April 20, we celebrate the feast day of Saint Agnes of Montepulciano (1268-1317). Named for Saint Agnes of Rome, the birth of Agnes was marked by the first of many miraculous events in her life. At the moment of her birth, lit torches appeared, surrounding the house in which she was born, shining a bright and heavenly light on the inhabitants. From that moment on, Agnes demonstrated a simplicity and piety which her parents were unable to deny. At four years of age, Agnes was known to retire to her room, kneeling in the corner, praying Our Fathers and Hail Marys for hours on end. Her only wish, first verbalized at age 6, was to enter the convent at Montepulciano, and consecrate her life to the Lord.

Of course, her parents refused her wishes, given her young age, but permitted her to visit the sisters at the convent on occasion. On one such trip, as Agnes, her mother, and some women of the household were passing a section of road on which several brothels were located, a murder of crows descended from the sky, attacking Agnes. While the women were able to drive them off, this event unsettled the girl, who later proclaimed that the crows were devils, sent to drive her away as they knew she would someday build a convent on that land.

At age nine, Agnes’ parents agreed to let her enter the Franciscan convent at Montepulciano—an austere and pious order known as “Sacchines” due to the fact that their habits were constructed of coarse sacks. Agnes took to a simple, austere lifestyle with happiness, willing to sacrifice for the Lord. Her spiritual progress was observed and admired by her sisters, and at 14, they made her bursar of the order, responsible for the financial and practical needs of the convent. As with all things, Agnes accepted this new responsibility with grace and obedience, never complaining, and always managing to secure food and resources for her sisters. On occasion, she performed miracles, multiplying food in the pantry during lean financial times!

During this time, Agnes also became known as a visionary. She was visited by the Blessed Virgin Mary on several occasions. During the first vision, Our Blessed Mother provided Agnes with three stones—representing the Most High and Undivided Trinity—to be used in the construction of a convent. When Agnes replied that she had no plans to build a convent, Our Blessed Mother encouraged her to keep the stones until she did. Agnes was graced with a second vision, in which The Blessed Virgin appeared again, holding the infant Jesus, whom she let Agnes hold. Agnes fell into a trance, and upon waking, still held the small golden cross that the infant Jesus had been wearing in her vision. She never parted from her mystical treasure following that vision.

At fifteen, Agnes was made abbess of a nearby monastery in Procena, receiving special permission and dispensation from Pope Nicholas IV due to her young age. Agnes’ humility was challenged by this request, and she initially planned to refuse, until specifically urged by the Pontiff. With his request, she accepted obediently, building her community quickly. Upon her election abbess, it is said that small white crosses appeared miraculously, and fell from the sky, raining down upon those present in the chapel to witness her consecration.

Agnes served as abbess at Procena for 20 years, during which time she became known to the local people (and those far and wide) for her sanctity, visions, and miracles. When she knelt in prayer, flowers miraculously bloomed around her. Oftentimes she was observed to levitate nearly two feet in the air while in prayer. She frequently had visions, during which angels delivered the Holy Eucharist to her. Coupled with her mystical talents, Agnes lived a life of austerity and self-discipline. She ate only bread and water, and slept on the ground with a stone for a pillow.

After 20 years, the residents of her birthplace, Montepulciano, called her back to them, requesting she build a convent on the site of the brothels where the crows had attached her when she was young. Agnes did just that, using the three stones provided by the Blessed Virgin, and consecrating the convent to the Blessed Trinity. While she hand no money, the Lord miraculously provided, and she established a new order under the Dominican Law known for both prayer and penance.

Soon thereafter, Agnes fell ill with a painful and protracted illness, which she bore with gentle patience and cheer, offering her sufferings as penance for the redemption of souls. She traveled on pilgrimage to the holy sites of Rome, and upon her return, was escorted by several sisters to the healing waters of Chianciano. While there, Saint Agnes performed a miracle, bringing a small child who had drowned in the baths back to life. In the place of the miracle, a new spring welled up, which has reported healed many since her death.

Agnes returned to the convent in Montepulciano, where she died. She told her sisters shortly beforehand, "You will discover that I have not abandoned you. You will possess me for ever." Agnes’ body was buried in the convent, which soon became a place of pilgrimage. Numerous miracles have been reported at her tomb, through her intercession. Among those who have visited include Saint Catherine of Sienna, who referred to Saint Agnes as her “glorious mother.” During the visit of Saint Catherine, as she bent to kiss the feet of Agnes, her feet rose from their resting position to Saint Catherine’s lips, so as to spare her the act of having to bend down! In 1435, the body of Saint Agnes was moved to Orvieto, where it remains today. During exhumation, it was discovered that her body was incorrupt, with sweet perfume trickling from both her hands and feet.

The life of Saint Agnes is one of simplicity, obedience, grace, and charity. She was devoted to both Our Blessed Mother and to Jesus, and never strayed from her intense desire to serve them. Agnes was willing to give up a privileged lifestyle, trading it for the sack-cloth of service. Through prayer she received all she needed from the Lord. Agnes’ life is one in which we see holiness shine through every moment—trust in the Lord, obedience to her calling, grace and joy in suffering, penance and prayer, love and charity for all she encountered. In studying the lives of the saints we come face-to-face with our areas of shortcoming, and are inspired to commit those weaknesses and struggles to the Lord, through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother. The life of Saint Agnes gives us plenty to think about, and we implore her intercession to increase our obedience and faith in the Most High and Undivided Trinity!

Merciful God, you adorned Agnes of Montepulciano, your bride, with a marvelous fervor in prayer. By imitating her example, may we always hold fast to you in spirit and so come to enjoy the abundant fruits of holiness. St. Agnes never faltered in her deep devotion and love for You. Dear Father, may we also appreciate the spiritual things more than the things of this world and give to You our greatest devotion. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.


Day 110 of 365
Prayer Intentions: Obedience; Faith; Those considering religious vocations.
Requested Intentions: Financial security and employment (A); For financial security (M); Health and recovery of Cardinal Sean Brady (R); Healing from a chronic illness (J); Deepening of faith and true conversion for a family (J); Successful employment (H); Restoration of a marriage (J); For a friend’s daughter, seeking medical treatment for a blood disorder (D); For the grace and conversion of a loved one (Z); For a beloved son’s return to the faith (A); For the improved health and recovery of a mother (G); For health, blessings, and protection (K); For an improvement in a difficult employment situation (T); For a family member’s recovery from surgery (D); For the victims of an automobile accident (D); For peace of mind and health (J); For the love of a romantic partner (S).