The Basics: Birthdate and place unknown; died 680 in France; canonized in the ninth century by Nicholas I; feast day, January 30. Queen, slave, philanthropist.
The Story: Bathild (also known as Balthilde and other spellings) came to the attention of King Clovis II when she was a slave in a friend’s palace. Bathild’s intelligence and other virtues were well regarded by many, and in 649, Clovis freed her and married her. He
died after they had been married seven years and had had three sons. As regent in the years before one of the sons became king, Bathild ruled wisely and compassionately, ending the Christian slave trade, clamping down on the practice of selling spiritual graces, and aiding the poor. After her time as regent ended, she retired to Chelles to one of the abbeys she had founded.
What We Can Learn from Bathild: This saint didn’t forget her roots. When she was in a position to help those enslaved as she had been, she was quick to do so. How can you help those struggling with a problem you experienced and overcame with assistance from others?
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.
