Jan 21 – S Agnes

It’s the Feast of St Agnes, 3rd Class, with the color of Red. In this episode: the meditation: “The Two Ends of Marriage”, today’s news from the Church: “Bishop Barron Warns Against Permanent "Synodality"”, a preview of the Sermon: “Facing Difficulties: Lessons from the Manger”, and today’s thought from the Archbishop.

Have feedback or questions about the DD or our other shows? [e-mail] Sources Used Today:

• “The Two Ends of Marriage” – From Epiphany to Lent
  • https://angeluspress.org/products/epiphany-to-lent
  
  
• “Bishop Barron Warns Against Permanent "Synodality"” (FSSPX.news)
  • https://fsspx.news/en/news/bishop-barron-warns-against-permanent-synodality-56589
  
  
• “Facing Difficulties: Lessons from the Manger” (SSPX Sermons)
  • SSPX YouTube: Sermons Playlist
  • Listen & Subscribe: SSPX Sermons Podcast
  
  
• The Spiritual Life – Archbishop Lefebvre (Angelus Press)
  • https://angeluspress.org/products/spiritual-life-archbishop
  
  

Saint Agnes is one of the most luminous witnesses of the early Church, a young girl whose courage and purity left an impression far greater than her years. She lived in Rome in the early fourth century, likely during the persecution under Emperor Diocletian. Agnes was very young, traditionally said to be around twelve or thirteen, and from a noble family. Yet what defined her was not status, but her complete belonging to Christ. She had consecrated her virginity to Him and regarded that promise not as a fragile ideal, but as an unbreakable bond.

When her beauty attracted suitors, Agnes refused every proposal, declaring openly that she already had a Spouse greater than any earthly match. One rejected suitor denounced her as a Christian, and she was brought before the authorities. They attempted persuasion first, offering wealth, honor, and protection if she would renounce her faith. Agnes answered with calm clarity. She could not deny Christ, and she could not betray her consecration. Threats followed. She was condemned to public humiliation and violence, yet the ancient accounts emphasize that she remained untouched, preserved by God’s protection. When these efforts failed, she was sentenced to death and executed for her confession of faith.

What astonished early Christians was not only Agnes’s courage, but her serenity. She faced death without bitterness or fear, convinced that she was going to meet the One