Wednesday’s Woman: St. Withburga

The Basics: Born before 653 in England; died about 743 in England; canonized pre-congregation; feast day, July 8. Woman religious.

The Story: Withburga was the daughter of a king, Anna or Onna, in one of those families who spawned many saints (including her better-known sister, Ethelreda, who founded an abbey at Ely). After her father died, Withburga moved to a town

called Dereham, where she founded a large convent and church. The sisters at one point faced a serious food shortage. It is said that the Blessed Virgin Mary provided them with two does who frequented a nearby stream each day that could be milked. That allowed the sisters to make cheese and other products that helped them survive.

Years after Withburga had been peacefully buried at Dereham, some people aligned with Ethelreda’s abbey decided all the sisters’ remains should be relocated to Ely. After that was done, a well sprang up at Withburga’s original burial site, and continues to provide water today.

What We Can Learn from Withburga: It’s easy to have faith when everything is going well. Chat with this saint about trusting in the Lord as well when you face a challenging situation.

To Learn More About Withburga: A site about attractions on England’s Norfolk coast has an image of her well and a brief biography .

To Learn More About Other Women Saints and Blesseds: Come back next week, or consider buying my book, Sisterhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration.