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ST ETHELREDA, ABBESS - 23 JUNE

  ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN JUNE Saints celebrated on the 23rd of June WELCOME! SAINT ETHELREDA, ABBESS Saint Etheldreda had but one aim in life, to devote herself to become a religious. Her parents, however, had other views for her, and, in spite of her tears and prayers, she was compelled to become the wife of Tonbercht, a tributary of the Mercian king.  SHE RETIRED TO THE ISLE OF ELY She lived with him as a virgin for three years, and at his death retired to the isle of Ely, that she might apply herself wholly to heavenly things. This happiness was  short-lived. Egfrid, the powerful King of Northumbria, pressed his suit upon her with such eagerness that she was forced into a second marriage.  A LIFE OF AN ASCETIC RATHER THAN OF A QUEEN Her life at his court was that of an ascetic rather than a queen: she lived with him not as a wife but as a sister, and, observing a scrupulous regularity of discipline, devoted her time to works of mercy and love.  COLDINGHAM ABBEY After twelve years,