ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN FEBRUARY Saints celebrated on the 7th of February WELCOME! AVA OF MELK, POET AND RECLUSE "Frau Ava," also known as Ava of Göttweig or Ava of Melk (born around 1060; died probably February 7, 1127 near Melk or in Kleinwien near Göttweig), is one of the first German-speaking poets known by name. "Frau Ava" ("Mrs. Ava") initially led a secular life, was married and gave birth to two sons (Hartmann and Heinrich). After becoming a widow, she retired to a monastery. In her poem "The Last Judgment" she talks about her sons and reveals her name. The Last Judgment (excerpt) Dizze buoch dihtôte zweier chinde muoter. diu sageten ir disen sin, michel mandunge was under in, der muoter wâren diu chint liep, der eine von der werlt sciet. Nu bitte ich iuch gemeine, michel unde chleine, swer dize buoch lese, daz er sîner sêle gnâden wunskende wese, unde dem einen, der noch lebet unde der in den arbeiten strebet, dem wunsket gnâden un...