Agnes of Montepulciano
1268-1317

April 20

Born into the DeSegni family in a small village near Montepulciano in 1268, Agnes as a child gave evidence of precocious sanctity. Obvious to all who knew her was her inclination toward solitude where, in calmness, she could commune with God. Her devout parents, responding to the wishes of their pious daughter, consented to her entrance into a monastery. In this environment her sanctity grew and deepened, frequently identified by extraordinary events.

At the age of 15, the sisters chose her their abbess after having received the required dispensation. As abbess her life was an admirable example of active-contemplative living. No aspect of the day by day life of the community, of the maintenance of the monastery, of caring concern for the sisters was ever neglected because of her prayer life which often included ecstasies.

In 1306 Agnes established a monastery in Montepulciano. In this convent Agnes continued to live an active and contemplative life. At the age of 49 her last illness caused her intense suffering and she died on April 20, 1317. In May 1726 she was canonized as a saint of our church.

Let us strive to exemplify her faithfulness of serving others and faithfulness to contemplative prayer.