Saint Agnes of Montepulciano

Life story

Agnes was born around 1268 near Montepulciano in Tuscany, according to some accounts in the village of Gracciano, into the noble Segni family. At nine she entered a women's convent in Montepulciano. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, about four years later she and some of her sisters were commissioned to help found a new convent at Proceno, a town in the Orvieto area, and there she became prioress at fifteen. The dates of her early career vary between sources. Later sources say that she worked miracles of healing and multiplied bread when food ran short; these are traditions recorded by hagiographers, not verified events.

Around 1300 (the sources give 1298 or 1306) she returned to Montepulciano at the request of her fellow townspeople to found and govern a Dominican convent. She held that responsibility until her death.

She died on 20 April 1317 at Montepulciano, at about forty-nine. By tradition her body was found incorrupt years later, and a biography written by Blessed Raymond of Capua some fifty years after her death describes it. Pope Benedict XIII canonized her in 1726.

Works and witness

• Entered a convent at nine
• Sent to help found the Proceno convent, where she became prioress
• Returned to Montepulciano to found and govern a Dominican convent
• Died on 20 April 1317
• Canonized by Pope Benedict XIII in 1726

Saints from the same country

Saint Agnes, Saint Lawrence, Saint Cecilia, Saint Sebastian

References

• Catholic Encyclopedia (1907), entry St. Agnes of Montepulciano (New Advent, cathen/01213c)

Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.