Adeloga of Kitzingen
Saint Adeloga of Kitzingen, also known as Hadeloga and Adela, was a German saint and daughter of Charles Martel. She is remembered for her devotion to God, founding a convent in Kitzingen, and becoming its first abbess. Her life exemplifies a rejection of worldly pursuits for religious dedication.
- Century
- 8th century
- Country Or Region
- Germany
Key Facts
- ›Her father was Charles Martel, a Frankish statesman and military leader.
- ›She refused marriage, choosing to devote herself to God.
- ›Expelled from her father's palace with her spiritual director, they journeyed to Kitzingen.
- ›She founded a convent in Kitzingen, which followed the rules of St. Benedict and St. Scholastica.
- ›Adeloga served as the first abbess of the Kitzingen convent.
- ›Charles Martel later reconciled with her and donated lands to her convent.
Hadeloga, Adela
About Adeloga of Kitzingen
St. Adeloga of Kitzingen, also known as Hadeloga and Adela, was a German saint of the 8th century. She was the daughter of the influential Frankish statesman and military leader Charles Martel. Described as "of singular beauty," Adeloga was sought after for marriage, but she steadfastly refused, desiring to dedicate her life to God instead.
Her devotion led to conflict with her father. Charles Martel treated her with "studied brutality and public insult." Seeking support, she turned to her father's chaplain, who also served as her spiritual director. This led to their expulsion from the palace by Martel. Together, they journeyed to Kitzingen, a region in modern Bavaria described as a "wild and desert place," where they established a convent.
Adeloga became the first abbess of this new convent. The community was directed to adhere to the rules of St. Benedict and St. Scholastica and attracted many virgins. Later in life, Charles Martel reconciled with his daughter and visited her, even donating lands to support her convent. St. Adeloga is listed in the Benedictine Martyrology, and an ancient biography of her life was published by Jean Bolland. After her death, St. Thecla succeeded her as abbess of the Kitzingen convent.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Saint Adeloga of Kitzingen?
Saint Adeloga of Kitzingen, also known as Hadeloga and Adela, was a German saint. She was the daughter of Charles Martel and a princess who chose a life of religious devotion.
Why did Adeloga leave her father's palace?
Adeloga refused to marry and wanted to devote herself to God. When her father, Charles Martel, treated her with 'studied brutality and public insult,' she sought support from her spiritual director. As a result, Martel expelled them both from his palace.
What did Adeloga do after leaving her father's palace?
She and her spiritual director journeyed to Kitzingen, a 'wild and desert place,' where they built a convent. Adeloga became the convent's first abbess, and the convent was directed to follow the rules of St. Benedict and St. Scholastica.
Did Adeloga's father reconcile with her?
Yes, Charles Martel later reconciled with Adeloga. He visited her and donated lands for her convent, showing a change in his relationship with his daughter.
What is Adeloga remembered for?
Adeloga is remembered for her rejection of a worldly marriage in favor of religious life, her founding of a convent in Kitzingen, and her service as its first abbess. She is listed in the Benedictine Martyrology.
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