As I have said before, I have a great deal of time and admiration for the virgin martyr Saints of the Church, and today is the Feast of yet another: St. Agnes.
"St. Agnes was a Roman girl who was only thirteen years old when she suffered martyrdom for her Faith. Agnes had made a promise, a promise to God never to stain her purity. Her love for the Lord was very great and she hated sin even more than death! Since she was very beautiful, many young men wished to marry Agnes, but she would always say, "Jesus Christ is my only Spouse."
When one reads the tales concerning the sexual exploitation of young girls, that the popular press seem to ever-more-frequently publish, thoughts must turn to the example of Saints like Agnes, herself only a teenager, who preferred death for Our Lord's sake to a perhaps easier option of succumbing to the gifts and promises of a seducer. Let us pray that she might be able to guide and inspire any youngsters who, today, are facing coercion to yield their virtues for the sake of some transitory presents, and as an Angel protected Agnes, may their Guardian Angels come to their aid.
What a beautiful Prayer, Matthaeus.
Saint Agnes, Pray for all The Little Ones.
I'm glad you appreciate it, Zephy, as I appreciate your joining me in praying for these Innocents.