The Basics: Born in England; died in 751 in England; canonized precongregation; feast day, December 12. Princess, woman religious.
The Story: We talk today about how out of touch people are, texting and tweeting instead of holding face-to-face conversations. And yet, those interactions that aren’t conducted in person have a rich history in Christian support.
Eadburh, or Edburga, it appears began life as a princess, or at least as the daughter of people of means. She joined the Benedictine sisters at England’s Minster-in-Thanet abbey in 716, was a protegee of the abbess (St. Mildrith) and eventually would serve as abbess herself.
But Eadburh is perhaps best remembered for her support of St. Boniface,
Steve Hollis / Minster Abbey
and her thirst for knowledge. The two carried on a written correspondence for more than twenty years. While her letters are lost to time, the letters Boniface wrote Eadburh praise her for the illuminated manuscripts she and her sisters send to him, and call her his “most dear sister the abbess.” Her community provided great encouragement to Boniface’s missionary work in Germany, along with the tangible assistance of vestments.
In 741, Eadburh built a new monastery where the current Minster Abbey is, along with a church, where she had St. Mildred’s relics re-interred.
What We Can Learn from Eadburh: Prayer and written correspondence, in whatever form, can be powerful evangelization tools. Consider writing a note, email, or text of support today to someone who needs it.
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.
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