Saint Agnes Novena for Purity, Protection, and Courage
When the world pressures you to compromise your dignity, when fear threatens your faith, and when you need courage to stand firm in truth, Saint Agnes understands. This young martyr, barely thirteen years old, chose death rather than betray Christ. Her novena brings comfort to those seeking purity of heart, protection from harm, and the strength to remain faithful when everything around them demands surrender.
Through Saint Agnes’s intercession, countless souls have found courage, healing, and the grace to live with integrity in the face of temptation and fear.
Historical Context – The Fearless Child Martyr of Rome
Saint Agnes lived in Rome during the persecution of Emperor Diocletian around 304 A.D. Born into a noble Christian family, she consecrated her virginity to Christ at a very young age. When the son of a Roman prefect demanded her hand in marriage, Agnes refused, declaring that she was already promised to Christ.
Her refusal led to arrest, humiliation, and torture. According to early Church Fathers such as Saints Ambrose, Jerome, and Augustine, God miraculously protected her purity. Agnes remained steadfast in faith and was ultimately martyred—either by beheading or by the sword—becoming one of the youngest and most beloved martyrs of the early Church.
Her name comes from the Latin agnus (lamb), symbolizing innocence, purity, and sacrifice.
A Documented Miracle – The Healing of Princess Constantina
One of the most famous miracles attributed to Saint Agnes occurred about fifty years after her martyrdom and was recorded by Saint Ambrose.
Princess Constantina, daughter of Emperor Constantine the Great, suffered from a severe and incurable form of leprosy. Despite every available treatment, her condition worsened, leaving her isolated and without hope.
Hearing of miracles at Saint Agnes’s tomb on the Via Nomentana in Rome, Constantina made a pilgrimage to the shrine. Exhausted and despairing, she prayed fervently and fell asleep at the tomb. In a vision, Saint Agnes appeared to her, radiant and holding a white lamb, and told her to believe firmly in Christ.
When Constantina awoke, her body was completely healed. The sores vanished instantly, in full view of witnesses. In gratitude, she consecrated her virginity to Christ, gave generously to the poor, and built a basilica over Saint Agnes’s tomb—still standing today as a testimony to this miracle.
Why Pray the Saint Agnes Novena?
This novena is especially prayed:
- For purity of heart and mind in a culture that pressures compromise
- For courage to live the faith despite fear or opposition
- For protection of young women and children from abuse or exploitation
- For healing from sexual trauma and restoration of dignity
- For strength to resist temptation and unhealthy relationships
- For young people navigating a world hostile to chastity and faith
How to Pray the Saint Agnes Novena
The Saint Agnes Novena is traditionally prayed from January 12 to January 20, ending on the vigil of her feast day (January 21). However, it may be prayed at any time of need.
Daily Steps:
- Make the Sign of the Cross
- Read the reflection for the day
- Pray the daily novena prayer
- Pray one Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be
- Offer your personal intentions
Helpful Devotional Practices:
- Light a white candle as a symbol of purity
- Attend Mass on January 21 if possible
- Go to Confession during the novena
- Perform a small act of charity or sacrifice
You may also find strength through the Novena to Saint Monica, prayed for perseverance, family struggles, and faith.
Saint Agnes Novena Prayers – Day by Day
St. Agnes Novena – Day 1
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Dear Lord, we thank You and praise You for giving us St. Agnes as an example of holiness. We ask You to hear the prayers she brings before You on our behalf.
St. Agnes, we know little about your early family life. But we know that your parents practiced their Christian faith in a society that was very hostile to Christianity. Though you were still a child, you grew strong enough in your faith that you gave up your life for Christ.
Please bring all of our petitions before the throne of God, and we particularly ask today that you pray that all families may be full of holiness and love.
Pray for us, that we may always hold fast to our faith in every circumstance. Pray that we may do all we can to live saintly lives each day.
And we especially ask in this novena for (mention your intentions here).
St. Agnes, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. Agnes Novena – Day 2
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Dear Lord, we thank You and praise You for giving us St. Agnes as an example of holiness. We ask You to hear the prayers she brings before You on our behalf.
St. Agnes, you were only twelve or thirteen years old when you chose to suffer and die for your faith. Despite your young age, you held fast to your faith amidst persuasion, bribery, and eventually great suffering.
Please bring all of our petitions before the throne of God, and we particularly ask today that you pray that all children may receive the love and formation they need.
Pray for us, that we may serve God worthily in every circumstance we encounter in our lives. Pray that we may do all we can to grow in holiness at every opportunity God gives us.
And we especially ask in this novena for (mention your intentions here).
St. Agnes, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. Agnes Novena – Day 3
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Dear Lord, we thank You and praise You for giving us St. Agnes as an example of holiness. We ask You to hear the prayers she brings before You on our behalf.
St. Agnes, you felt God calling you to consecrate yourself to Him as a virgin. Though you were only twelve or thirteen years old, you held fast to this vocation amidst great pressure to marry.
Please bring all of our petitions before the throne of God, and we particularly ask today that you pray that God may inspire more men and women to serve Him in the religious and priestly vocations.
Pray for us, that we may always be eager to carry out God’s will in our lives each day. Pray that we may devote ourselves more wholeheartedly to God at every opportunity He gives us.
And we especially ask in this novena for (mention your intentions here).
St. Agnes, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. Agnes Novena – Day 4
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Dear Lord, we thank You and praise You for giving us St. Agnes as an example of holiness. We ask You to hear the prayers she brings before You on our behalf.
St. Agnes, you had a very intimate relationship with Our Lord. Though you were only twelve or thirteen years old, you loved Him deeply and wished to consecrate yourself to Him as a virgin. Tradition says that you proclaimed Jesus as your Spouse when men asked for your hand in marriage.
Please bring all of our petitions before the throne of God, and we particularly ask today that you pray that we may grow in our friendship with Our Lord.
Pray for us, that we may always do all we can to advance in holiness. Pray that we may make our relationship with God our top priority in life.
And we especially ask in this novena for (mention your intentions here).
St. Agnes, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. Agnes Novena – Day 5
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Dear Lord, we thank You and praise You for giving us St. Agnes as an example of holiness. We ask You to hear the prayers she brings before You on our behalf.
St. Agnes, you lived in a society that was very hostile to Christianity. You were betrayed to the authorities as a Christian when you were twelve or thirteen years old. Despite torture and great suffering, you held steadfast and refused to renounce your faith.
Please bring all of our petitions before the throne of God, and we particularly ask today that you pray that God may strengthen and assist all Christians who are being persecuted for their faith.
Pray for us, that we may never allow any sufferings to deter us from serving God. Pray that we may serve God worthily in every circumstance.
And we especially ask in this novena for (mention your intentions here).
St. Agnes, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. Agnes Novena – Day 6
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Dear Lord, we thank You and praise You for giving us St. Agnes as an example of holiness. We ask You to hear the prayers she brings before You on our behalf.
St. Agnes, you suffered greatly on account of your faith when you were twelve or thirteen years old. Despite your young age, you were not deterred from your faith amidst great pressure and torture. You persevered in your faith to the point of death.
Please bring all of our petitions before the throne of God, and we particularly ask today that you pray that we may grow in the perseverance we need for holiness.
Pray for us, that we may grow in every virtue we need for holiness. Pray that we may do all we can to live saintly lives each day.
And we especially ask in this novena for (mention your intentions here).
St. Agnes, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. Agnes Novena – Day 7
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Dear Lord, we thank You and praise You for giving us St. Agnes as an example of holiness. We ask You to hear the prayers she brings before You on our behalf.
St. Agnes, you are venerated as the patron saint of chastity. You chose to consecrate your virginity to Our Lord despite great pressure to marry. Legend says that as you were being persecuted for your faith, God protected your virginity through miraculous intervention.
Please bring all of our petitions before the throne of God, and we particularly ask today that you pray that we may grow in the virtue of chastity.
Pray for us, that we may grow closer to God each day of our lives, even in the midst of suffering. Pray that we may serve God more wholeheartedly at every opportunity He gives us.
And we especially ask in this novena for (mention your intentions here).
St. Agnes, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. Agnes Novena – Day 8
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Dear Lord, we thank You and praise You for giving us St. Agnes as an example of holiness. We ask You to hear the prayers she brings before You on our behalf.
St. Agnes, you were tortured when you refused to renounce your faith. Throughout painful and humiliating torture, you remained joyful in your sufferings. Even when your sufferings were so awful that pagans were moved to pity for you, you remained steadfast and joyful.
Please bring all of our petitions before the throne of God, and we particularly ask today that you pray that we may be able to joyfully accept sufferings in our lives.
Pray for us, that we may do all things in our lives out of love for God. Pray that we may do all we can to grow in holiness each day of our lives.
And we especially ask in this novena for (mention your intentions here).
St. Agnes, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. Agnes Novena – Day 9
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Dear Lord, we thank You and praise You for giving us St. Agnes as an example of holiness. We ask You to hear the prayers she brings before You on our behalf.
St. Agnes, you bravely refused to renounce your faith despite the threat of torture and death. You were only twelve or thirteen years old, but you courageously endured painful and humiliating torture. You even persevered to the point of death rather than renounce your Christian faith.
Please bring all of our petitions before the throne of God, and we particularly ask today that you pray that we may grow in the courage we need for holiness.
Pray for us, that we may always do all we can to advance in virtue and holiness. Pray that we may grow closer to God each day of our lives.
And we especially ask in this novena for (mention your intentions here).
St. Agnes, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
About Saint Agnes of Rome
Saint Agnes is one of the earliest and most venerated virgin martyrs of the Catholic Church. Born around 291 A.D., she was martyred at approximately twelve or thirteen years old. Her name appears in the Roman Canon of the Mass, alongside other great martyrs.
She is the patron saint of young girls, chastity, purity, victims of sexual abuse, engaged couples, and the Children of Mary. Her symbols include the lamb, palm branch, and flowing hair—reminders of her innocence, sacrifice, and divine protection.
Related Devotions
- Novena to Saint Monica – A powerful novena for perseverance in faith, family struggles, and spiritual conversion.
- Novena to Our Lady of Sorrows – Meditating on Mary’s purity, suffering, and steadfast faith.
- Novena to the Holy Name of Jesus – A devotion for strength, purity of heart, and protection from evil.
- Catholic Prayers for Protection – Traditional prayers seeking God’s safeguarding grace in times of danger and temptation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The traditional time is January 12-20, ending on the vigil of her feast day (January 21). However, you may pray this novena at any time of spiritual need.
Saint Agnes is the patron saint of young girls, virgins, chastity, purity, engaged couples, rape victims, and the Children of Mary. She is invoked for protection against sexual violence and for the grace of purity.
Her name “Agnes” comes from the Latin “agnus,” meaning lamb. The lamb symbolizes her innocence, purity, and sacrificial death. Additionally, according to tradition, she appeared eight days after her death to her parents holding a white lamb, surrounded by other virgin martyrs.
Yes, according to all historical accounts from Saints Ambrose, Jerome, and Augustine, Agnes was approximately twelve or thirteen when she was martyred. Her youth makes her courage and faith even more remarkable.
Absolutely. Saint Agnes is a powerful intercessor for victims of sexual abuse and violence. She understands trauma and violation, and her intercession has brought healing, peace, and restoration of dignity to countless survivors.
Pray with honest humility, asking Saint Agnes to help you overcome these struggles. Consider going to Confession during or before the novena. Many have found freedom from these addictions through her intercession combined with the Sacraments and accountability.
Closing Prayer
O Saint Agnes, faithful virgin and courageous martyr,
you who chose Christ above all earthly love
and remained true to Him even unto death,
I thank you for your powerful intercession.
Watch over me, protect me,
and guide me on the path of purity and holiness.
May your courage inspire me,
your purity challenge me,
and your love for Christ transform me.
Obtain for me the graces I have requested in this novena,
especially [mention your specific intention].
Present my prayers before the throne of the Lamb of God,
whom you now behold face to face
in eternal glory.
Amen.
Saint Agnes, virgin and martyr, pray for us!
