St. Agnes of Assisi: Co-founder of the Poor Clares
November 19, is the feast of Saint Agnes of Assisi (Catarina di Favarone) according to the Franciscan calendar. She is the younger of sister of Saint Clare of Assisi, and Abbess of the Poor Ladies of Assisi, and co-foundress of the Poor Clares. Born in Assisi, Catarina was the youngest daughter of Count Favorino Scifi and Countess Hortulana (now Blessed). Catarina was later named Agnes by St. Francis of Assisi when she became a nun. Catarina was a beautiful girl who was gentle, prayerful, and kind. On March 18, 1212, Clare renounced her inheritance and family and founded the Poor Clares, the Franciscan cloistered Order. Catarina joined her sixteen days later at the Benedictine cloister of St. Angelo in Panso, where they received their initial training. Her father, Count Favorino, sent knights to carry her away. They tried to drag her out of the monastery, kicking and striking her, but all of a sudden her body became so heavy that several of the men could n...