Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Naomh An Lae - Saint Of The Day

St Agnes of Montepulciano (1268-1317) nun and foundress

Montepulciano 

Agnes was born into a noble family in Gracciano, a small village near Montepulciano in Tuscany, Italy, where, at the age of nine, she entered the local convent. 

When in 1281 a new foundation was made at Proceno, Agnes went and later became the superior there. 

Later the citizens of Montepulciano invited her to return and she set up a convent under the Dominican order there in houses that had been used as brothels.

The convent prospered under her direction.

Reputation for miracles 

Agnes had a reputation for prophecies and miracles: curing people suffering from physical and mental sickness, multiplying loaves as Jesus did, and so on. 

She seems to have been a no-nonsense, energetic woman.

Her death 

In her forties she suffered a long and painful illness and the sisters persuaded her to take the waters of the local spa. 

When her health did not improve she said to the sisters: "If you loved me, you would be glad that I am about to enter the glory of my spouse. Do not grieve over my departure: I shall not lose sight of you. You will find I have not abandoned you and you will possess me forever."

She died aged forty-nine.

Still revered in Tuscany 

Agnes's tomb was much visited by pilgrims including the Emperor Charles IV and St Catherine of Siena.

In art she is sometimes represented with a model of her town in her hand. 

She is still revered in Tuscany.