The Basics: Born about 1062 in France; died 1137 in France; canonized pre-congregation; feast day, February 24. Ruler; woman religious.
The Story: Adela was exposed to power and its workings from birth: her father was William the 
Conqueror. When she was about eighteen, she married Stephen of Blois. It appears the marriage worked for them both; the couple had close to a dozen children, and Stephen entrusted Adela with the authority to rule his properties while he was away at the Crusades on several occasions, ultimately dying in battle in 1102. During the campaigns, Stephen wrote Adela detailed letters of battles and glory. For her part, Adela generally ruled astutely, with her projects including the endowment of abbeys and churches.
Adela left political life for the convent in 1120, ultimately settling in at Cluny Abbey, where she spent the rest of her life. One of her sons became king of England; another, a bishop.
Adela’s Wisdom: In granting relief after a dispute with a monastery: “I came before the altar and offered a pledge, confessed before those who were present, and promised it would not be done anymore.”
What We Can Learn from Adela: Power isn’t a bad thing. The Lord calls us to use it wisely, and to seek forgiveness when we fail to do so. Is there a situation where you are using power to excess in a relationship… or failing to use it as God desires?
To Learn More About Adela: Epistolae: Medieval Women’s Letters has a more extensive biography of this saint, along with some of her correspondence.
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.
