03/26/2026
Yes! What a joy that our patron, St. Agnes, is included! Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas Archdiocese of San Antonio National Catholic Committee for Girl Scouts and Camp Fire (NCCGSCF)
Did you know? Every time the priest prays the Roman Canon at Mass, he mentions these seven courageous women saints by name—right alongside the Apostles and early martyrs. They have been invoked in the Eucharist for over 1,400 years:
1️⃣ St. Felicity and St. Perpetua
Felicity was a pregnant slave in Carthage (modern Tunisia). Along with her mistress Perpetua, a young noblewoman and mother, they refused to renounce Christ. Felicity gave birth in prison just days before their martyrdom in 203 AD. They were thrown to wild beasts and then killed by the sword. Their powerful “Passion” account, partly written by Perpetua herself, is one of the earliest Christian writings by a woman.
2️⃣ St. Agatha
A beautiful noblewoman from Sicily, Agatha consecrated her virginity to Christ. When she rejected the advances of a Roman official, she suffered brutal tortures including the cutting off of her breasts. She died in prison around 251 AD while praying. She is a powerful patron against volcanic eruptions and for breast cancer patients.
3️⃣ St. Lucy (Lucia)
From Syracuse, Sicily, Lucy was a young virgin who gave away her dowry to the poor. Betrayed by a suitor, she was sentenced to a brothel but miraculously could not be moved. She was tortured and finally killed around 304 AD. Her name means “light,” and she is the patron of the blind and those with eye problems.
4️⃣ St. Agnes
Only about 12 or 13 years old, this Roman girl refused to marry a pagan and declared herself a bride of Christ. She was condemned to a brothel but protected by a miracle, then beheaded. Her name means “lamb” in Latin, and she is one of the most beloved virgin martyrs and patron of purity and chastity.
5️⃣ St. Cecilia
A noble Roman virgin who was forced into marriage but converted her husband and brother-in-law to Christianity. She was martyred around 230 AD — first suffocated in steam, then beheaded. Famous for “singing” hymns to God in her heart even during torture, she is the patroness of music, musicians, and singers.
6️⃣ St. Anastasia
A generous Christian widow from Rome (or possibly Sirmium), known for her charity and care for prisoners. She suffered imprisonment and was martyred by burning during the Diocletian persecution around 304 AD. Several early churches in Rome were dedicated to her.
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Why are they included in the Canon?
These women represent the complete witness of the early Church — from different social classes (noble and slave), different regions (Rome, Sicily, North Africa), and different states in life (virgins and mothers).
By naming them alongside the Apostles and male martyrs, the Church shows that holiness and martyrdom are for everyone. Their inclusion, which dates back to at least the time of St. Gregory the Great (6th–7th century), reminds us that the Blood of Christ unites all the faithful, men and women alike, in the one Body of Christ.
Next time you hear their names, let’s pray: Holy Martyrs of the Canon—Felicity, Perpetua, Agatha, Lucy, Agnes, Cecilia, and Anastasia — pray for us! That we may have your courage, your purity, and your total love for Jesus. 🙏❤️
Which of these amazing women inspires you the most? Share in the comments!
