Saint Agnes, patron saint of Proceno
The young abbess and mystic who lived in Proceno
Saint Agnes Segni of Montepulciano (ca. 1268 – 1317) was one of the most extraordinary spiritual figures of the 13th century. Sent at a very young age to Proceno, in northern Lazio, by her religious order, she founded the Monastery of the Sisters of Sacco and became its abbess at just fifteen years old. Agnes is remembered for numerous prodigies and miracles : her cloak was covered in manna in the shape of little crosses, she received communion from an angel for ten consecutive Sundays in the monastery garden next to an olive tree, and it is said that she received a handful of earth from the Holy Land with the blood of Christ, a divine gift linked to her intense mystical life. Initially subjected to the Augustinian Rule , she later passed to the Dominican Order . After her death, Agnes' body was found incorrupt and today it is kept and venerated in Montepulciano , in the church dedicated to her. Her figure was the object of profound devotion on the part of Saint Catherine of Siena, who indicated her as a model of feminine sanctity and absolute dedication.
He remained there for 23 years, leading a life of deep prayer, penance and service, enriched by extraordinary events that fueled his reputation for sanctity.
