SAINT VULFETRUDIS OF NIVELLES, VIRGIN AND ABBESS - 23 NOVEMBER

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN NOVEMBER

Saints celebrated on the 23rd of November

SAINT VULFETRUDIS OF NIVELLES, VIRGIN AND ABBESS

This holy Virgin and abbess at Nivelles (Nivlatum) in South Brabant, whose name is also spelled Wulsetrudis, Wilfetrudis and Wolfetrudis, was a niece of St Gertrude, and was chosen by her teacher as her successor, although she was only 20 years old. 

The earnest fear of God, with which she bent her nature under the yoke of the Lord, made her a strong woman, who led the sisters well. She was always gentle to the obedient, but unyielding to the obstinate. As a result, she had to endure some unpleasantries, but in the end her trust in God, her patience and steadfastness always triumphed. She had an extraordinary love for the poor, whom she generously treated with gifts and endowments. 

After she had presided over her monastery for ten years, she spent her last 50 days bedridden, blessed in the Lord on November 23, 669 and passed away. She was buried in the Church of St Peter, Apostle, where her body rests in a marble tomb. (Mab. Saec. II. 466.)

(Information from Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints, Volume 5, Augsburg, 1882)

Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints - Sources and Abbreviations

PRAYER:

Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Saint Vulfetrudis 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.