Saint Agnes Guild

Is a guild for all baptized and single ladies who desire to fulfil their Christian lives within the Anglican Church. The guild was formally established in remembrance of Saint Agnes, a young girl who was slaughtered for her devotion to Jesus Christ during the reign of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. She was born in Rome (Italy) AC 291 and died in AC 304; St Agnes Day is celebrated on the 21st of January. St Agnes is depicted in art holding a lamb which represents her religious purity; she is also shown with a martyr's palm. The young martyr's life sets an example as to how as young women we should claim power in Christ to define our own identity and not conform to cultures claim to identify us in terms of standards of society. For we must have the courage to believe and trust that we are given the spirit of love, power and self-discipline and as young women we aspire to be like the various virtuous women of the bible and other Saints.
 
One of the main purposes of the St Agnes Guild in the Anglican Church is to become disciples of Jesus Christ and bring together Christian women to strengthen their faith and trust in God. We consider ourselves as the ‘sisterhood in Christ’, ‘intombi yomusa’ (Sisters of grace) and ‘flowers of the world’; this is truly who we are. Our beauty is not what meets the eye, nor the attractive uniform that we wear or the beauty our face holds, but it is the good deeds we do, the love we share amongst ourselves and fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, confirming in the truth of the Word of God and living a righteous life. For James 5: 16 says the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. We too as the Guild have our aims and objectives rooted in prayer, in everything we do; prayer is the jet fuel that flies this plane.
 
The leadership in our region consists of a full committee which takes the responsibility to plan St Agnes events, and services within the Durban and District region and also in the Diocese of Natal. Our Chaplin is Rev. P Nyoni, who forms part of the Guilds support structure, she has committed herself together with other Clergy in praying for the success of the Guild and the services or events we hold, and offer guidance and great wisdom when we are confronted with challenges in the Guild.
St Agnes Guild objections are:

• To assist members to believe in the truth and to do righteousness repent
• To work as trustworthy members who work for the Church of God
• To pray daily, the Guilds prayer
• To attend at least one service a week
• To attend meetings without fail
• To make planned confession at least twice a year
• To evangelize the Good news, take part in Bible studies and Retreats.

 By: Ms. Thuladu Manyoni
Public Relations Officer for St Agnes Guild @ St Barnabas Bluff