Agnes of Bohemia

in Czech Anežka Česká 1211 ? - 1282

From Wikipedia:

 Known also as Agnes of Prague, was a medieval Bohemian princess who opted for a life of charity, mortification of the flesh and piety over a life of luxury and comfort. Although she was venerated soon after her death, Agnes was not beatified or canonized for over 700 years.

Born as princess, probably the youngest daughter of the Czech King Přemysl Otakar I. and Queen Constance of Hungary she was one of the most important representatives of the Přemyslid dynasty. Agnes refused to play any  part in a politically arranged marriage. She decided to devote her life to prayer and spiritual works.

In 1234, Anežka and her brother founded a new double convent of women and men. It housed the Franciscan friars and the Poor Clare nuns who worked at the hospital.This religious complex was one of the first Gothic buildings in Prague, situated on the north-eastern outskirts of the town, in a place later called "na Františku". She personally led the construction and became the first representative of the Poor Clare nuns (in Czech Klarisky).

In 1874, Pope Pius IX beatified Agnes.

It is interesting that for centuries there was a prediction that "when Agnes of Bohemia will be canonized, freedom will reign in the Czech lands". Pope John Paul II cannonized Blessed Agnes on 12 November 1989 . And five days after her canonization, on 17 November 1989 the Velvet revolution in Czechoslovakia began.

Saint Agnes begged us to be free

               Thanks for reading                              

                                                          Margaret