The Basics: Born about 650 in England; died about 727 in England; canonized precongregation; feast day, October 19. Woman religious.
The Story: Many of the stories around women saints involve their rejection of suitors, and Fridewide is no exception. Born to a minor king in England, she convinced her father at a relatively young age to help her found a religious home of sorts for young women to get away from the world. The legend has it that a nobleman of some sort–perhaps a king–heard of her charms and pursued her mightily. After three years
of being in hiding with her friends (including answered prayers for a well when they thirsted), the suitor found Frideswide–and was struck blind. Her prayers and care restored his vision.
Frideswide went on to found a monastery for men and women at Oxford. The remainder of her life was spent in serenity there and in a nearby small chapel she built.
What We Can Learn from Frideswide: Imagine being able to forgive and care for someone whose actions required you to be on guard and alert for three years. Pray with Frideswide for the grace to forgive someone who has harmed you, physically, mentally, or emotionally.
To Learn More About Frideswide: Read a more detailed biography at BBC Oxford.
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.
