SAINT GUIBORATA, ANCHORESS AND MARTYR - 2 MAY

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN MAY

Saints celebrated on the 2nd of May

SAINT GUIBORATA, ANCHORESS AND MARTYR

Saint Guiborata, also called Wiborada or Weibrath, was a devout anchoress in St Gallen [St Gall] in Switzerland. She came from an old family in Swabia. Even when she was still in her father's house, she lived like in a monastery, focusing solely on prayer and work. As a dutiful daughter, she eagerly carried out not only the orders but also every wish of her parents. 

Her brother Hitto, who had become a priest, led her on the way of salvation. After a pilgrimage, which they had made together to the graves of the princes of the apostles, Hitto became a monk in St Gallen, but Guiborata combined the contemplative life with that of active charity. She even seems to have exerted an influence on bishops early on, and Bishop Salomon II of Constance (885–891) in particular made use of her assistance. 

She then lived on a neighbouring mountain in a cell near St George's Church. Since she was often disturbed by visits here, she moved to St Gallen. Her servant Rachildis had her health completely restored at Guiborata's prayer. She, too, is venerated by  the Church as a saint.

How much St Ulrich and the diocese of Augsburg owe her, is well known. 

In short, St Guiborata became widely famous for her miracles and prophecies; she is the Hildegardis of the 9th century. Finally, after a life marked by holiness and miracles, she was killed on May 2, 925 by the Hungarians, who in wild hordes also attacked peaceful St Gallen. In 1047, Pope Clement II placed Guiborata among the number of the saints. She is mentioned by the Bollandists* on May 1.

(Information from Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints, Volume 2, Augsburg, 1861)

*A hagiography source used by the authors 

Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints - Sources and Abbreviations

PRAYER:

Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Saint Guiborata  may increase our devotion and promote our salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.