The Basics: Born about 520 in Germany; died about 587 in France; canonized pre-congregation; feast day, August 13. Wife and woman religious.
The Story: The 21st century has no singular claim to violence and political intrigue. Radegund’s father, a king, was killed by one of his brothers, who then went on to doublecross another ruler with whom the brother had allied himself. That other ruler and his brother, Clotaire I, teamed up and defeated Radegund’s uncle.
The child spent several years in essence in captivity, then was brought to court to wed Clotaire. It was not an ideal marriage; Radegund spent most of her time as queen in service to the poor, and Clotaire was less than faithful. The final straw for Radegund came when several years into the marriage, Clotaire killed her brother, her only remaining relative. She left the court and went on to found the Holy Cross Abbey at Poitiers, the first monastery for women in the Frankish Empire. When Clotaire tried to demand her return, the bishop of Paris intervened and threatened to excommunicate the ruler if he proceeded.
Radegund spent the rest of her life at the monastery, reading scripture, writing poetry, weaving and doing needlework. The peace had to be refreshing after all the intrigue. The monastery was destroyed in the French Revolution but has been rebuilt. Similarly, the church where she was buried still exists and was reconstructed after a major fire.
What We Can Learn from Radegund: We all go through times that seem ridiculously, cruelly difficult, as Radegund did with her husband. The next time such a situation rears its head in your life, pray for the strength and obedience to remain faithful and follow the Lord’s lead wherever He takes you.
To Learn More About Other Women Saints and Blesseds: Come back next week, or consider buying my books, Blessed Are You: Finding Inspiration from Our Sisters in Faith or Sisterhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration.
