Today is the memorial of St. Agnes, an early martyr of the Church who died most probably around 300 A.D. during the time of the persecution of the emperor Diocletian. She died a virgin who had betrothed herself to Jesus whom she considered her spouse. Refusing numerous suitors and the attempts of the Romans to get her to give up her virginity, she chose a martyr’s death.
On this memorial every year, the Holy Father in Rome is presented with two lambs that were blessed earlier in the day at the Basilica of St. Agnes on the Via Nomentana. From these lambs will come the wool that is used to make the pallia that are given to all archbishops as a sign of their pastoral responsibilities. The pallium is a band of white wool on which are sewn six black crosses. You will see the Pope wearing one frequently, except Benedict has chosen to wear the more traditional pallium of red crosses that also includes several gold nails attached to the fabric.
St. Agnes, pray for us this day! Thank you for your witness to all of us.
