One suitor, Procop, the Governor's son, tried desperately to win her for his wife with lavish gifts and promises, but Agnes insisted, "I am already promised to the Lord of the Universe. He is more splendid than the sun and the stars, and He has said He will never leave me!"  Furious, Procop accused her of being a Christian (the religion of Rome at that time was pagan, and Christians were persecuted) and brought her to his father, the Governor. The Governor promised Agnes rich gifts if she would only deny God, but Agnes refused. He then tried to coerce her by putting her in chains, but her lovely face only shown with joy. Viciously, he sent her to a place of sin, but an Angel protected her from harm.  At the end of his evil recourses, he condem her to death.  Even the pagans cried to see such a young and beautiful girl going to death. Yet, Agnes was unafraid.  She ignored  those who begged her to save herself.  "I would offend my Spouse," she said, "if I were to try to please you. He chose me first and He shall have me!"  At her martyrdom, she prayed and bowed her head for the death-stroke of the sword.

The body of St. Agnes was placed in a sepulchre covered by a slab bearing the inscription Agne sanctissima.  It is believed to be the same one which is now preserved in the Museum at Naples.  Agnes was highly revered by Christians throughout the early days of the Church. During the reign of Constantine, a basilica was erected over the grave of St. Agnes, which was later entirely remodelled by Pope Honorius (625-638), and has since remained unaltered.

Today is the birthday of a virgin; let us imitate her purity. It is the birthday of a martyr; let us offer ourselves in sacrifice. It is the birthday of Saint Agnes, who is said to have suffered martyrdom at the age of twelve.

There was little or no room in that small body for a wound. Yet she shows no fear of the blood-stained hands of her executioners. She offers her whole body to be put to the sword by fierce soldiers. She is too young to know of death, yet is ready to face it. Dragged against her will to the altars, she stretches out her hands to the Lord int he midst of the flames, making the triumphant sign of Christ the victor on the altars of sacrilege. She puts her neck and hands in iron chains, but no chain can hold fast her tiny limbs.

In the midst of tears, she sheds no tears herself. She stood still, she prayed, she offered her neck.

You could see fear in the eyes of the executioner, as if he were the one condemned. His right hand trembled, his face grew pale as he saw the girl's peril, while she had no fear for herself. One victim, but a twin martyrdom, to modesty and religion; Agnes preserved her virginity and gained a martyr's crown.