The Saints: St. Agnes of Montepulciano

c. 1268 - 1317 / Feast - April 20

Born to wealthy parents in a Tuscan village in Italy, Agnes was given to the care of nuns as a child, and was made superior of a new convent at age 15. About 1298 she was invited to establish a convent at Montepulciano, which she put under the direction of local Dominicans. Known for extreme personal mortifications, she lived on bread and water and slept on the ground for 15 years. She was reported to have visions and work miracles to feed her sisters when food ran low. Her tomb was visited by Emperor Charles IV and St. Catherine of Siena.