Homily Feast of St. Agnes (2021) “A Liberated Woman”
Homily Feast of St. Agnes (2021) “A Liberated Woman”
St. Agnes was one of the early virgin martyrs of the church. Her story was like many other women. We could ask the question why she was condemned to death. Some would say she died because she was a Christian, but it was much more complex than that. She threatened the established order. We might call her a women’s liber if she lived today.
The custom in Agnes’ day was that young girls were given in marriage by their parents. Usually, this was to cement political alliances or to maintain economic status. Agnes came from a wealthy family that lived in Rome in the early fourth century.
Agnes was a beautiful girl who was twelve or thirteen when men began to seek her hand in marriage. Legend had it that Agnes wanted to be a virgin and a bride of Christ. We might wonder if she did not want to be treated like a piece of property. We could also speculate that she did not want to marry a man she had no love for. She refused to marry anyone who came seeking her as a wife.
This angered her suitors and it also threatened the social order. It was unheard of for a young girl to stand up for her freedom. Agnes was accused of various crimes. She was put in chains. She was drug through the streets naked. Agnes was also given over to a house of prostitution. Whatever the torture, Agnes’ virginity was protected. She was finally accused of being a Christian and she was put to death.
Agnes is a wonderful example of self confidence and courage. She could be an example for young women who do not wish to give into peer pressure. She would not compromise her principles to please others.
Her symbol is a lamb which represents innocence and purity. On the Feast of St. Agnes, the wool is harvested that is made into the palliums that Archbishops wear throughout the world.
Reflection Questions:
- How do I give into peer pressure? What would be a value worth fighting for?
- Many women are taking leadership rolls in government. How do I feel about that?
Dear Parishioners,
Religious education classes are being resumed this Sunday at Sacred Heart. This has been a challenging year for our public-school religion classes. It will be hard to prepare our First Communion and Confirmation classes. We do have dates set for large group liturgies, but there will be some families who may not feel comfortable participating.
I will try to be accommodating for those who would like to have their children receive their sacraments in a smaller group or even by themselves. These individual sacramental celebrations would probably happen at one of our daily Masses. I have the faculties to confirm until the Feast of Pentecost this year.
If you have questions, contact our Director of Religious Education, Debbie Patronagio, at our office and she will be glad to work with you.
May our Lady and all the Angels and Saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark