SAINT AGNES
Virgin and Martyr

Chair of Unity Octave Intention: Return of European Protestants

DOUBLE / RED

Agnes is the archetype of the virgins who throughout the Christian centuries have followed the Lamb wherever He goes, "first fruits unto God and unto the Lamb" (Apoc. 14:4). She was twelve years old when she was commanded to offer incense before the pagan altar of Minerva at Rome, soon after Emperor Diocletian began his persecution of the Christians in the year 303. The persecutors tried in vain to overcome the virgin's refusal by flattery and offers of marriage. "Christ is my Spouse," she answered. "He chose me first and His I will be." Her sentence of death was passed and the child martyr died by the sword.

INTROIT Ps. 118:95-96

The wicked have lain in wait to destroy me, but I have understood Your testimonies, O Lord. I have seen that all things are finite, but Your commandment is indeed perfect.
Ps. 95:1. Blessed are they who are undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT

Almighty and eternal God, you choose the weak things of the world to confound the strong. May the virgin martyr Agnes intercede for us who celebrate her feast. Through Our Lord . . .

LESSON Eccli. 51:1-8, 12 [Sirach]

I will give glory to thee, O Lord, O King, and I will praise thee, O God my Saviour. I will give glory to thy name: for thou hast been a helper and protector to me. And hast preserved my body from destruction, from the snare of an unjust tongue, and from the lips of them that forge lies, and in the sight of them that stood by, thou hast been my helper. And thou hast delivered me, according to the multitude of the mercy of thy name, from them that did roar, prepared to devour. Out of the hands of them that sought my life, and from the gates of afflictions, which compassed me about: From the oppression of the flame which surrounded me, and in the midst of the fire I was not burnt. From the depth of the belly of hell, and from an unclean tongue, and from lying words, from an unjust king, and from a slanderous tongue: My soul shall praise the Lord even to death. How thou deliverest them that wait for thee, O Lord, and savest them out of the hands of the nations.

GRADUAL Ps. 44:3, 5
Grace is poured out upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever and for all ages.
V. For the sake of truth and meekness and justice may your right hand lead you on wonderfully.

TRACT Ps. 44:8, 5
Come, O spouse of Christ, receive the crown that has been prepared for you forever by the Lord, for whose love you did shed your blood.
V. You loved justice and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellow creatures.
V. In your splendor and your beauty, make ready, ride on triumphant, and rule.

GOSPEL Matthew 25: 1-13)

At that time, Jesus spoke to his disciples this parable,"The kingdom of heaven will be like to ten virgins, who taking their lamps went out to meet the bridegroom and the bride. And five of them were foolish and five wise. But the five foolish, having taken their lamps, did not take oil with them. But the wise took oil in their vessels with the lamps. And the bridegroom tarrying, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made: 'Behold the bridegroom cometh. Go ye forth to meet him.' Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise: 'Give us of your oil, for our lamps are gone out.' The wise answered, saying: 'Lest perhaps there be not enough for us and for you, go ye rather to them that sell and buy for yourselves.' Now whilst they went to buy the bridegroom came: and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage. And the door was shut. But at last came also the other virgins, saying: 'Lord, Lord, open to us.' But he answering said: 'Amen I say to you, I know you not.' Watch ye therefore, because you know not the day nor the hour." 

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 44:13, 16

Behind her the virgins shall be led to the king; her friends shall be brought to you with gladness and joy, they shall be led into the temple of the king, the Lord.

SECRET

O Lord, graciously accept the sacrifices we offer You, and free us from the slavery of sin through the intercession of Your blessed virgin martyr Agnes. Through Our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Matt. 25:4, 6

The five wise virgins took oil in their vessels with the lamps. And at midnight a cry arose, "Behold, the bridegroom is coming, go forth to meet Christ the Lord."

POSTCOMMUNION

Refreshed with Heavenly Food and Drink we humbly pray You, our God, that we may be strengthened by the prayers of Your saint, in whose memory we have received this Sacrament. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and rules with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.