19 November
ST. AGNES OF ASSISI (1197-1253)
Poor Clare. Virgin
Early in April 1212, Agnes left home to follow her sister St. Clare sixteen days after the latter’s departure. Family opposition was extremely strong but unavailing, as Agnes settled first in San Angelo di Panzo, and then in San Damiano next to Assisi (Italy). She was sent as abbess to the Poor Clare convent in Monticelli, Florence in 1228/29. It was from here, about 1232, that Agnes wrote to Clare lamenting her separation from the community in San Damiano. She returned to Assisi in 1253 and was present at Clare’s death. She died in the same year. Her cult as saint was approved in 1753 by Benedict XIV.
First Reading: Phil. 3: 8-14; Gospel: Luke 14: 25-33
