As we celebrate this feast of Blessed Agnes of Prague, we are inspired by her generosity and prayerfulness.
Agnes, daughter of the king of Bohemia, was a first cousin to St. Elizabeth of Hungary. She declined an imperial marriage and instead built a hospital in Prague for the poor. She enjoyed a close relationship with St. Clare of Assisi, who wrote several letters to her. It is through Agnes’ friendship and correspondence with Clare of Assisi that we are enriched with Clare’s spirituality and words of guidance and wisdom.
Second Letter of Clare to Blessed Agnes of Prague
What you hold, may you always hold.
What you do, may you always do and never abandon.
But with swift pace, light step, and unswerving feet,
so that even your steps stir up no dust, go forward securely, joyfully and swiftly,
on the path of prudent happiness, believing nothing, agreeing with nothing
which would dissuade you from this resolution or which would place a stumbling block for you on the way,
so that you may offer your vows to the Most High in the pursuit of that perfection to which the Spirit of the Lord has called you.
Artwork by Sister Rosaire Kopczenski, OSF
