The Courage of St. Agnes

by Caroline McDonald

Illustrated by Igor Kovyar

Published by OSV Kids

Travel into the Catacombs of Ancient Rome (and even learn some basic Latin!) with St. Agnes in The Courage of St. Agnes, a picture book by Caroline McDonald. This beautiful picture book, illustrated by Igor Kovyar, tells the courageous story of this faithful virgin and martyr. Pick it up for her feast day on January 21, and keep it available to inspire your children all year round. This book would also make a beautiful First Holy Communion gift for any little girls who are making their First Communion. If you are looking for a gift for boys, check out Caroline McDonald’s book, The Treasure of St. Tarcisuis: Hero of the Eucharist.

Learn Latin with St. Agnes

Sprinkled throughout the book are Latin words and phrases to learn. Some of the words include Roma, mater, pater, proditor, salve and forum. Latin phrases in the book include totus tuus, Signum Crucis, and Pater Noster.  Since we are studying Latin as part of our homeschool curriculum, my kids were excited to read some Latin in this book!

The Story of St. Agnes

The story begins with St. Agnes’ childhood. Her family was wealthy, and she was even educated by a tutor in her home. She loved learning about Jesus, and at the age of 13, dedicated herself totally to Jesus. The book also paints an accurate and age-appropriate picture of how dangerous it was to be a Christian in Ancient Rome.

The Roman governor’s son, Procop, had set his sights on Agnes to be his wife. He was aggressive and the other boys feared him. Agnes was very upset when he urged her to accept his request for her hand in marriage. She had already decided to consecrate herself to Jesus. No matter how many gifts, Procop sent her, she refused to marry him.

St. Agnes’ Martyrdom

I love how Catholic authors today are not shying away from speaking about martyrdom. Caroline McDonald does so in a way that is truthful and accessible for children.  The stories of the early martyrs are so important to share with children. In my opinion, if the early Christians could sacrifice their lives for Christ, we can surely endure the sacrifices in our lives and offer them to Christ out  of love – just like St. Agnes.

Miracles of St. Agnes

In the end of the book, you will learn how her hair miraculously grew to cover her when the Roman stripped her of her clothes, how the fire did not burn her, and how she brought a lamb as a special sign to her mother.

St. Agnes is the patron saint of girls, and she is named in the in Eucharistic Prayer I during Holy Mass. Adults should be sure to read “The Rest of the Story” at the end of the book for more information about St. Agnes and the pope’s blessing of two lambs on her feast day. There is also a heartfelt note at the end about Christian martyrs, and how we can follow their courageous example.

St. Agnes, pray for us!

You can find The Courage of St. Agnes by Caroline McDonald from OSV.