How to Celebrate the Feast of St. Agnes (January 21)

The Feast of St. Agnes, celebrated on January 21, honors the young martyr who dedicated her life to Christ. St. Agnes is often represented by a lamb, symbolizing her purity and innocence (agnus means “lamb” in Latin).

Here are fun and meaningful ways to celebrate her feast day with your family:

1. Coloring Page and Lamb Craft

Engage your kids with hands-on activities inspired by St. Agnes. The Lamb Craft involves adding cotton balls to the lamb’s coat. Pair the lamb craft with a St. Agnes coloring page. As your children color, share her story, focusing on her unwavering faith and courage in standing up for Christ.

2. Plan a Feast Day Snack

Celebrate with delicious treats inspired by St. Agnes and her symbolism:

• Lamb Cupcakes: Frost cupcakes with white icing and decorate with mini marshmallows to resemble lamb wool. Use small candies or chocolate chips for the eyes and nose.
• St. Agnes Cookies: Here is a German cookie recipe adapted by Catholic Cuisine.
• Popcorn or Cotton Candy “Lamb Fluff”: A fun and simple snack to represent a lamb’s wool.
• Sheep Cheese and Crackers: Include sheep’s milk cheese for a savory option.
• Fruit Lamb Platter: Arrange fruits like bananas, apples, and berries in the shape of a lamb. Use coconut flakes or mini marshmallows for the “wool.”

3. Pray for Engaged Couples

St. Agnes is the patroness of engaged couples, and her feast day is an opportunity to pray for purity, chastity, and strong marriages. As a family, gather together and offer a prayer for couples, especially those preparing for marriage or newly married couples. You can use this day as an opportunity to specifically pray for each one of your children’s future marriages (if God calls them to marriage) and their spouses. 

4. Visit a Farm or Petting Zoo

Take the family on an outing to see lambs or sheep in real life. This hands-on experience can help children better understand the connection between the lamb and St. Agnes’ purity and devotion to Christ. Use the opportunity to talk about how the lamb is a symbol of innocence and sacrifice.

By celebrating with crafts, snacks, and meaningful activities, you can bring St. Agnes’ story to life for your children. Her feast day offers a chance to reflect on the virtues of faith, courage, and purity in a way that resonates with young hearts.

We’d love to see how your family celebrates! Share your crafts, snacks, and special moments with us.