Wednesday’s Woman: St. Gudula

The Basics: Born after 646 in what is now Belgium; died after 680 in Belgium; canonized pre-congregation; feast day, January 8. Laywoman. The Story: Tradition has it that one of Gudula’s sisters was martyred, and the other spent her life in an extremely unhappy marriage. Gudula’s path was much quieter. After being educated at the abbey of… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: St. Gudula

Wednesday’s Woman: St. Begga

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… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: St. Begga

St. Gertrude of Nivelles: 2014 Daily Lenten Reflections

St. Gertrude of Nivelles was born in what’s now Belgium in 626 and died on March 17, 659.  It’s said when Gertrude was young, she became extremely angry when King Dagobert attempted to arrange a marriage for her with a duke’s son. Gertrude rejected the proposed match, saying that her spouse was Christ the Lord.… Continue reading St. Gertrude of Nivelles: 2014 Daily Lenten Reflections