Adalbard
Adalbald I of Ostrevent was a 7th-century Frankish nobleman and a disciple of Saint Amand of Maastricht. He is recognized as a saint, remembered for founding Marchiennes Abbey and for his assassination, which led to his veneration as a martyr.
- Feast Day
- February 2
- Century
- 7th century
- Country Or Region
- France
Key Facts
- ›Adalbald was the son of Gerberga and grandson of Richomer and Gertrude of Hamage.
- ›He was a disciple of Amand of Maastricht and founded Marchiennes Abbey in 630.
- ›He married Rictrude of Marchiennes, with whom he had four children who are also venerated as saints.
- ›Adalbald and his wife opened their castle to the poor and disadvantaged.
- ›He was assassinated in 652 near Périgueux during an expedition to Aquitaine.
- ›His body was buried at Saint-Amand Abbey where he was venerated as a martyr.
Adalbert I of Ostrevent
About Adalbard
Adalbard of Ostrevent
Adalbard of Ostrevent was a 7th-century Frankish nobleman who served at the court of King Clovis II of France. He is recognized and venerated as a saint, primarily remembered for his martyrdom and the later translation of his relics. His life was marked by piety, religious patronage, and a notable marriage.
Life and Historical Context
Adalbard was a prominent noble who claimed lordship over Douai. He was a disciple of Saint Amand of Maastricht, a significant missionary figure of the era. In 630, Adalbard founded Marchiennes Abbey, an important religious institution. During a military expedition in Gascony, he met and married Rictrude of Marchiennes, overcoming familial opposition to their union. The couple had four children—Maurant, Eusebia, Adalsinda, and Clotsinda—all of whom are also recognized as saints.
Adalbard and Rictrude were known for their charitable works, opening their castle to the poor and disadvantaged. Rictrude also played a role in developing Marchiennes Abbey into a double monastery in 643.
Martyrdom and Veneration
Adalbard met a violent end in 652, assassinated near Périgueux during an expedition to Aquitaine. The circumstances suggest a possible revenge motive from his wife's relatives, still bitter about their marriage. His body was returned to Flanders and interred at Saint-Amand Abbey, where he was venerated as a martyr, particularly given that his death occurred in a region not yet fully Christianized.
He is commemorated on two feast days: February 2, for his martyrdom, and May 2, which marks the translation of his relics to Douai in 1221. While his name is not currently in the liturgical calendars of Cambrai and Lille, his veneration as a saint and martyr is established through historical accounts and relics.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Adalbald I of Ostrevent?
Adalbald I of Ostrevent was a 7th-century Frankish nobleman who served at the court of King Clovis II. He is recognized as a saint, particularly for his martyrdom.
What is Adalbald known for founding?
Adalbald is known for founding Marchiennes Abbey in 630. His wife also made it a double monastery in 643.
When and how did Adalbald die?
Adalbald was assassinated in obscure circumstances in 652, near Périgueux, likely by his wife's relatives who opposed their marriage. His death occurred in a region that had not yet fully adopted Christianity.
When is Adalbald commemorated?
Adalbald is commemorated on two dates: February 2, marking his martyrdom, and May 2, commemorating the translation of his relics to Douai in 1221.
Who were Adalbald's family members?
Adalbald was the son of Gerberga and the grandson of Richomer and Gertrude of Hamage. He married Rictrude of Marchiennes and had four children: Maurant, Eusebia of Douai, Adalsinda, and Clotsinda, all of whom are also venerated as saints.
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