The Basics: Born 615 in what is now Belgium; died 693 in what is now Belgium; canonized pre-congregation; feast day, December 17. Benefactoress, woman religious.
The Story: If you lived in Begga’s time, you knew of her family, perhaps the way we’re all aware of advisers to the Bushes, the
Clintons, the Kennedys and so on. Her father was a member of the nobility and an adviser to royalty. Her son, Pepin of Herstal, would found the French Carolingian dynasty of rulers. To give you a further idea of the circles in which Begga moved, her mother, Itta; father-in-law, Arnulf; and a brother (Bavo) and sister (Gertrude of Nivelles) all would be canonized. In 691, Begga’s husband died in a hunting accident, and she embarked on a pilgrimage to Rome as a result. Struck by the beauty of the churches there, she founded seven chapels when she returned home, then established a convent similar to the one her mother and sister had established at Nivelles.
What We Can Learn from Begga: We all have resources–financial, emotional, spiritual, mental–that can be used for the good of the Lord. How will you use yours today?
To Learn More About Begga: A tourism site has a bit of information about St. Begga’s Collegiate Church in Andenne, where she is buried.
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.
