Martyr Agnes of Rome

Martyr Agnes was born into a noble Christian family in Rome and from early childhood resolved to consecrate herself to God, betrothing herself to Christ. At the age of thirteen she refused marriage to the son of the prefect Symphronius, declaring herself the bride of Christ; for this she was stripped and sent to a brothel, but her hair miraculously grew to cover her body, and a God-sent light and an angel protected her from violation. One young man who tried to defile her suddenly died, but was raised through Agnes's prayer, after which about 160 witnesses of the miracle believed in Christ. The enraged pagans sentenced the martyr to be burned, but the fire did not touch her; she was then put to death by the sword through the throat. She suffered around 304–305 under Emperor Diocletian.