St. Agnes was a contemporary follower of St. Clare and St. Francis, and was the first to spread their community north of the Alps.

She was daughter to king of Bohemia, and her mother was of royal lineage as well; Agnes’ cousin was St. Elizabeth of Hungary. According to the custom of the day, as a young girl, Agnes was betrothed several times for political alliances, and shuffled from monastery to monastery for education and training. Even at a young age, the life of the court wore thin for her, however, and she began to focus her thoughts and energy on God. Agnes cared for the sick in her role as princess, but privately also took on fasting and penances and would rise before dawn to visit churches for prayer and Mass.

She discovered a calling to dedicate herself to God and to remain a virgin, and prayed for the opportunity to do so, even though she was betrothed to the emperor, Frederick II. It took many years, and intervention from the pope himself, to make this desire a reality. In 1235, the emperor released her from their engagement.

Finally free at the age of 28, she more fully gave herself to serving God and the poor. She built monasteries and hospitals, and is particularly known for establishing the Franciscan community in the region around Prague. The people of her kingdom greatly supported that effort, and wanted to participate in building the monastery for the Poor Clares, but Agnes declined their monetary support. (It is said that the workers who were building the monastery would leave the site before the end of the day so that they could avoid being paid for their labors.)

When the Poor Clare convent was ready, Agnes joined the founding community. Soon, hundreds of others entered as well, and throughout Europe noble women followed her example.

Agnes followed the Franciscan way of humility and always sought the lowliest positions and tasks. St. Clare herself was a mentor to Agnes and the two exchanged letters. Agnes died on this date in 1282, and her image is used here with permission from Catholic.org.

St. Agnes of Bohemia, you were the friend to St. Clare who spread the Franciscan way of humility through Europe–pray for us!