Today, we remember and pray with Saint Agnes, a young girl who lived at the end of the third century and the beginning of the fourth century after Christ. Agnes (from the Latin agnus, which means lamb), was born circa 291 AD in Rome and she died a Martyr's death on 21 January 304 AD during the persecution of the Roman Emperor Diocletian.
To this day, Agnes is venerated most especially in Rome where, on this day every year, lambs are presented to the Holy Father. The Pope blesses them and then they are shorn. The wool from the sheep that are blessed is then returned to the Holy Father and woven into the pallia - the woollen scarves that will be worn by those who will be appointed as Metropolitan Archbishops in the coming year.
This tangible link with the faith that was lived by Saint Agnes and by others who have endeavoured to live out the faith that has always been inspired by God, and made known to us in the love of Jesus Christ helps us to keep before us the words of advice that we hear today in the gospel of Mark: The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath (Mk 2:28). Let us ask Saint Agnes to help us today to live as people of faith, seeking to be able to recognize the goodness of God that is all around us and giving thanks for the gift of a loving God who is so attentive to our needs.
Have a great day.
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