St. Aldegunais

Early Life

There is not much detail concerning the life of Saint Aldegundis. Shelived a rather short life but was instrumental in the early CatholicChurch.

Saint Aldegundis, also stylized Aldegonde or Adelgonde in some literaryworks, came from a family of saints.

She was born to Walbert and Bertilla de Mareuil who would later bevenerated by a catholic church. She was also said to be a sister toSaint Waltrude or Waudru.

Saint Aldegundis was born circa 639 A.D. in Guînes, the County ofHainaut. Her father at that time was Count of Guînes and she was said tobe connected to the noble Merovingian family.

Saint Aldegundis grew up in the Low countries regions in the province ofHainaut, Flanders.

She was a very pretty woman who had chosen to be dedicated to God. Shewas a devout Christian and spent most of her time praying.

Saint Aldegundis was sought out by many men from noble families but sheturned each one of them away. She was encouraged to pick a suitor andstart a family but she made it known that she was consecrated to God.

Dedication and Devotion

She took a vow of consecration and sought a cloistered life. She haspresented the veil, a sign of her virginity, and a vow to abstain frommarriage and sex. The veil was bequeathed unto her by Saint Amadiys, theBishop of Maastricht.

It was said that she had lived in a convent in Mons.

History documents that Saint Aldegundis had walked across the SambreRiver at a desert called the Malbode. On its shore, she built a smallhospital which later became a nunnery.

She was the founder of the nunnery which was later named the MaubeugeAbbey, a cloister for Benedictine nuns.

There, she taught her sisters how to live a life of piety. She spentmost of her time praying, preaching, and helping the less privileged.

Throughout the final times of her life, she was plagued with the diseaseof cancer. This however did not deter her from her dedication to God.

Saint Aldegundis was also said to have seen visions in her time. She waswidely fought after and respected by many.

Death and Canonization

Saint Aldegundis battled breast cancer in her final year. She died in684 in her abbey, Abbey of Maubeuge.

Saint Aldegundis died at the age of 44. She was buried at the Abbey ofMaubeuge.

Soon after her death, she was succeeded by her niece and Waltrude’sdaughter, Aldetrude. Her niece had also spent most of her spiritual lifein the Abbey.

Her Abbey continued to grow even after her death. While it remainedfamous, it was soon taken possession of by canonesses.

She was canonized Pre-Congregation and is celebrated by the CatholicChurch on the 30th of January.

5 Interesting Facts About St. Aldegunais

1. Did you know that Saint Aldegundis is said to be the patron saint
   against cancer and wounds?
2. Did you know that Saint Aldegundis was a companion of Saint Humbert
   of Pelagius?
3. Did you know that Saint Aldegundis was said to have walked on the
   water of Sambre without getting her shoes wet?
4. Did you know that Saint Aldegundis is also said to be the patron
   saint against childhood diseases, ulcer, pain, and sudden death?
5. Did you know that Saint Aldegundis was taught spirituality by her
   sister Waltrude?

Prayer to St. Aldegunais

Compassionate Lord, Saint Aldegundis had a special concern for thosesuffering from cancer.I ask him to intercede for me, my family, and my friends, so that we mayremain free from cancer. If any of us are stuck with this disease, I askhim to pray for our healing. Lord Jesus, help us to feel the closenessof the Holy Spirit, who is the Comforter.Teach us to live in hope and faith, and protect us from fear anddiscouragement. Help us to experience the joy of uniting our sufferingswith Yours.And show us how to minister to others who’ve been diagnosed withlife-threatening illnesses. Saint Aldegundis, pray for us. Amen.

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