Saint Agnes of Poitiers

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Saint Agnes of Poitiers was a 6th-century French saint and abbess known for her holiness and intelligence. She was raised at the royal court and became the adopted daughter and spiritual companion of Saint Radegund, who founded the Holy Cross convent in Poitiers. Holy Cross was a double monastery that housed about 200 nuns and became a famous place of learning. Agnes served as the abbess of Holy Cross until her death in around 586.

Around 570, she and Radegund visited Arles to study the Rule of Saint Caesarius, which was later adopted at Poitiers, though they faced opposition from the local bishop. Agnes is remembered for her devotion to learning and her close friendship with Venantius Fortunatus, a poet and hymn writer who supported the nuns and wrote letters to them. Some of his poems praised the abbesses, and there were rumors of romance, which Fortunatus denied, saying his affection was spiritual or fraternal.

Her relics are kept in the Church of Sainte-Radegonde in Poitiers, and her tomb draws pilgrims. Her feast day is May 13, and she was venerated as a saint before the formal canonization process.