Agnes of Montepulciano facts for kids
Quick facts for kids SaintAgnes of Montepulciano O.P. |
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Saint Agnes miraculously receiving the Blessed Sacrament from an angel
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| Born | January 28, 1268 Gracciano, Montepulciano, Papal States |
| Died | April 20, 1317 (aged 49) Montepulciano, Papal States |
| Venerated in | Catholic Church (Dominican Order) |
| Canonized | 1726 by Pope Benedict XIII |
| Major shrine | Church of St Agnes, Montepulicano, Siena, Italy |
| Feast | 20 April |
| Attributes | Lily and a lamb |
Agnes of Montepulciano (born January 28, 1268 – died April 20, 1317) was a special kind of nun called a Dominican prioress in Italy a long time ago. She was known for doing amazing things that people called miracles. Today, the Catholic Church honors her as a saint.
Agnes's Early Life
Agnes was born in 1268 into a noble family in a small town called Gracciano. This town was part of Montepulciano in Italy. When she was just nine years old, she really wanted to join a group of religious women. They were called the "Sisters of the Sack" because of their simple clothes. They lived a quiet life focused on prayer. Even though she was very young, which was usually against church rules, she got special permission from the pope to join them.
Becoming a Leader
In 1281, when Agnes was about 13, some of the nuns were asked to start a new monastery in a place called Proceno. Agnes went with them. At first, she was in charge of the money and supplies.
By 1288, Agnes was only 20 years old. People noticed how much she loved the Blessed Sacrament (the Eucharist) and how deeply she prayed. Because of this, she was chosen to be the leader, or prioress, of the community. While she was there, many people said she performed miracles. People who were sick in their minds or bodies seemed to get better when she was near. Stories say she even made more food from a small amount, like the Bible story of the loaves and fishes. Even though she helped others, Agnes herself often became very sick for long periods.
Returning to Montepulciano
In 1306, Agnes was asked to come back and lead the monastery in Montepulciano. Agnes was known for her deep prayer and for having many special visions. After she returned, she started building a church. She felt she had been told in a vision to build this church to honor Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Agnes also had a vision of Dominic Guzman, who started the Dominican Order. Because of this vision, she led the nuns in her monastery to join the Dominican Order. People often asked her to help bring peace to families in the city who were fighting.
By 1316, Agnes's health was very poor. Her doctor suggested she go to the warm springs in a nearby town called Chianciano Terme. The nuns convinced her to go. Many other people at the springs said they felt better, but Agnes did not. Her health got worse, and she had to be carried back to the monastery on a stretcher.
Agnes's Legacy
Agnes died on April 20, 1317, when she was 49 years old. After her death, her body was said to produce a sweet smell. Her limbs also stayed soft. Years later, when her body was moved to the monastery church, it was found to be incorrupt. This means it had not decayed. Her tomb became a place where many people came to visit and pray.
About 50 years after Agnes died, a Dominican friar named Raymond of Capua wrote about her life. He said her body still looked as if she were alive. Another famous saint, Catherine of Siena, called Agnes "Our mother, the glorious Agnes." Catherine even visited Montepulciano to see Agnes's tomb.
In 1435, Agnes's remains were moved to the church of San Domenico in Orvieto.
Agnes was officially recognized as a saint by Pope Benedict XIII in 1726. Her special day, or feast day, is celebrated by the Dominican Order on April 20.
Agnes of Montepulciano is often shown as a Dominican nun. She might be holding a cross, lilies, or a lamb. The lamb is a playful nod to her name, "Agnes," which sounds like "agnus," the Latin word for lamb.
See also
In Spanish: Inés de Montepulciano para niños
- The Incorruptibles
