Agnes of Assisi

About Agnes of Assisi

Agnes was the younger sister of Saint Clare of Assisi and one of the first Poor Clares. Born Catherine di Favarone, she joined her sister Clare at San Damiano just sixteen days after Clare fled their family home to follow Francis of Assisi in religious life. Their father and male relatives attempted forcibly to bring Agnes back. When they tried to drag her away, according to witnesses, her body became so heavy they couldn't move her—a miracle attributed to Clare's prayers. Agnes received the habit from Francis himself and took the name Agnes. She lived the Poor Clare life of radical poverty, prayer, and service to her sisters. Clare sent Agnes to establish Poor Clare communities in Monticello, Mantua, and Venice in northern Italy, and her reform spread beyond Italy. Agnes served as abbess of several convents, faithfully spreading the Poor Clare charism of joyful poverty and contemplative life. She returned to San Damiano to be with Clare before her sister's death and died herself three months later. Agnes exemplifies faithful following of Clare's example and represents the expansion of women's Franciscan life throughout Europe.