Novena to Saint Agnes – 9 Days of Prayer

Novena to the young Roman martyr who chose death over dishonor — patron of girls, purity, and those who suffer for their faith

St. Agnes was a young Roman girl who chose death rather than renounce her faith. She is the patron of girls and purity, and she is honoured on January 21 when lambs are blessed in Rome. This novena asks for courage and a faithful heart. She was about twelve or thirteen when she died, according to tradition, and her feast is marked with the blessing of two lambs in Rome. Pray it for girls in your family, for purity of heart and for courage to say no.

Saint Agnes · January 219 dayssaint

A novena is nine consecutive days of prayer. Begin nine days before the feast (January 21) and finish on its eve. You can pray this novena at any time of year.

Pray this novena with daily reminders in the Sacred Novenas app

Open in the app App Store Google Play

Novena to Saint Agnes – prayer for all nine days

Intention: For Purity of Heart, Courage in Faith, and Young People Who Need Protection

Saint Agnes, you were barely a teenager when soldiers came for you. You had made a private vow of virginity to Christ, and when a Roman official's son wanted you for his wife, you refused. He reported you to the authorities. You were dragged before a tribunal, threatened with a brothel, threatened with death. You were not moved.

You said: 'I have already pledged my heart to One who is greater than any earthly lord.'

You were executed on January 21, around the year 304. You were approximately twelve or thirteen years old.

Saint Agnes, the Church calls you a martyr. You gave your life rather than compromise your faith and your purity. You stood before Roman power — before crowds, before soldiers, before threats — and you did not flinch.

I am asking for the thing that made you fearless: a heart so fixed on God that earthly threats lose their power.

(Pause to mention your intentions)

For any young person who is pressured to abandon what they know is right — give them your courage. For any person trying to live with integrity in a world that mocks it — give them your certainty. For anyone who has lost their innocence against their will — give them your healing.

Saint Agnes, lamb of God, pray for us.

Hail Mary... Our Father... Glory Be...

Saint Agnes, pray for us.

Pray this prayer once a day for nine days in a row.

Traditional Catholic Devotional Prayer · Feast Day: January 21. Agnes of Rome died around age 12-13, refusing to marry a Roman official's son. She was martyred around 304 AD. Her name in Latin means 'chaste,' and her name in Greek resembles 'agnus' (lamb) — she is often depicted carrying a lamb.

More novenas

Frequently asked questions

When should I start the Novena to Saint Agnes?

Begin on January 12 to end on January 20, the eve of her feast on January 21.

How do I pray the Novena to Saint Agnes?

Pray the daily prayer once a day, and ask for purity of heart.

Who is the Novena to Saint Agnes for?

It is for girls, young women and those who suffer for their faith.

Pray this novena with daily reminders in the Sacred Novenas app

Open in the app App Store Google Play