St Agnes

St Agnes is a blessed virgin who lived in Rome in the fourth century. She took a vow of chastity at an early age and rejected all suitors and at the age of 12 she died as a martyr. According to the legends, the son of the prefect of the city fell in love with Agnes, but she rejected him too. Accused for being a Christian, she was banished to the city’s brothel. When her suitor wanted to rape her, he fell dead on the ground. St Agnes revived him with a prayer. She was sentenced to be burnt, but the flames did not work, so she was garrotted like a lamb.

St Agnes is depicted with a lamb and a sword. The lamb is the symbol of a pure, chaste, and obedient person and a martyr. White wool reminds of the chaste and peaceful victim. A belt is also a symbol of morality and chastity.