O GOD, who among other miracles of thy power hast bestowed the victory of martyrdom also upon women: mercifully grant, that we who honor the birthday of blessed Agatha, thy Virgin and Martyr, may through her example walk in the way that leadeth unto thee. Through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who livest and reignest with thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen

St. Agatha, pray for us.

Saint Werburgh of Chester, Abbess (d. 700AD)

Almighty God, by whose grace Saint Werburgh persevered in imitation of Christ’s humility and poverty: grant through her prayer that we also may remain faithful to our vocation, and so come to that perfection which you have set forth for us in your Son. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Saint Werburgh, pray for us.

“Certainly in times of tranquillity the cross should give you joy. But maintain the same faith in times of persecution. Otherwise you will be a friend of Jesus in times of peace and his enemy during war. Now you receive the forgiveness of your sins and the generous gift of grace from your king. When war comes, fight courageously for him.  Jesus never sinned; yet he was crucified for you. Will you refuse to be crucified for him, who for your sake was nailed to the cross? You are not the one who gives the favour; you have received one first. For your sake he was crucified on Golgotha. Now you are returning his favour: you are fulfilling your debt to him.” ~Saint Cyril of Jerusalem