The nineteenth Franciscan mission was named after St. Agnes, a thirteen-year-old Roman girl who was executed in Rome in the year 304 A.D. and buried in the cemetery given her name where a basilica was built in her honor. Santa Ines is the special patroness of chastity. According to legend, she was unharmed in a brothel where she was sent by her father to break down her seemingly unassailable will to consecrate her virginity to a heavenly spouse. January 21 is her feast day.

Saint Agnes

Lying between the Santa Ines and San Rafael mountains, this mission was founded by Fr. Esteban Tapis on September 17, 1804. A large number of neophytes form Missions Santa Barbara and La Purisima attended. Named in honor of Saint Agnes, it was the 19th mission and completed the chain from San Diego to San Francisco.