A Forerunner of St Therese

Fascinated by the story of Agnes of Montepulciano (1268-1317), whose feast day is today.  She was born into a noble family.  After entering a Franciscan convent in Tuscany aged nine, she became superior of another convent – by special Papal dispensation – aged fifteen!  ‘On her consecration day, a shower of white crosses like flowers fluttered down on all those in the chapel and nearby, showing heaven’s favour.  For twenty years, Agnes lived in Procena as a Franciscan nun and Abbess, penetrating the secrets of God in prayer. She was a careful superior, a miracle worker, and a renowned mystic. She would pray over the food supply when it was low, take a handful of bread from the kitchen, and miraculously feed not only the nuns, but the poor of the community—with the fruit of her prayers.  Her self discipline was legendary. She lived on bread and water for fifteen years, slept on the floor of her cell with a stone for a pillow, and received Holy Communion from the Angels. When she would kneel outdoors in prayer, roses and lilies would spring up gently after she arose.’ [Courtesy of Cheryl Hadley]  The ‘shower of white crosses like flowers’ and the mention of the roses and lilies, along with her fervent youthful love for Jesus, make me think of our Therese of Lisieux.

Intercessions

Cancer: Brian Davis, Bernard (and wife Angela caring for him), Jacqui, Fr Jon Bielowski (Plymouth Diocese), Catherine, Alex (43 with five children), Sister Daranee Teapthong, William Gove (recovering from stroke)

Illness:  Hilary Solomon, Katy Keeling

Siena, Elara – sick children

David OCDS – housebound

Grace – troubling ailments, job difficulties, family (deceased mother and health of father)

Mark – brain infection

Michael, Kira – vulnerable youngsters

Defence of the unborn and the elderly

We are asked to pray for the Diocese of Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand, as the Northern Mission celebrates its centenary. The process of selecting a new bishop continues.