Aldegund
Aldegund was a Frankish Benedictine abbess, a relative of the Merovingian royal family, who is honored as a saint. She is most famous as part of the "Maubeuge Cycle" of Merovingian saints and is remembered for choosing a cloistered life and founding an abbey.
- Feast Day
- January 30
- Century
- 7th century
- Country Or Region
- France
Key Facts
- ›Aldegund was a Frankish Benedictine abbess and a saint venerated in France.
- ›She was closely related to the Merovingian royal family.
- ›Aldegund chose the life of the cloister instead of marriage.
- ›She founded a hospital at Malbode, which later became Maubeuge Abbey.
- ›She died in 684 from breast cancer.
- ›Her Catholic liturgical feast day is observed on January 30.
Aldegundis, Aldegonde
About Aldegund
Aldegund (c. 639–684), also known as Aldegundis or Aldegonde, was a significant figure in Frankish religious history, venerated as a saint by both the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church. She is closely associated with the Merovingian royal family, with her parents, St. Walbert and St. Bertilla de Mareuil, also being honored as saints. Aldegund is considered the most prominent saint within what scholar Aline Hornaday terms the "Maubeuge Cycle" of Merovingian saints.
Life and Ministry
Despite pressure to marry, Aldegund dedicated her life to the cloister. Tradition holds that she miraculously walked across the waters of the Sambre river. On its banks, she established a small hospital at Malbode, which subsequently developed into the renowned Maubeuge Abbey. While initially a Benedictine abbey for nuns, it was later home to canonesses.
Death and Veneration
Aldegund died in 684 due to breast cancer. Her Catholic liturgical feast day is celebrated on January 30. She is believed by some to be the sister of Saint Waltrude, and her successors as abbess were Waltrude's daughters, Aldetrude and Madelberte. Several early biographies exist, though none are contemporary accounts, with Hucbald's tenth-century biography being among those published by the Bollandists.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Aldegund?
Aldegund was a Frankish Benedictine abbess who lived from approximately 639 to 684. She is honored as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church in France and by the Orthodox Church.
What is Aldegund best known for?
Aldegund is best known for choosing a life in the cloister rather than marriage and for founding a hospital at Malbode, which later developed into the famous Maubeuge Abbey. She is also recognized as a relative of the Merovingian royal family.
When is Saint Aldegund's feast day?
Saint Aldegund's Catholic liturgical feast day is kept on January 30.
What was Aldegund's connection to royalty?
Aldegund was closely related to the Merovingian royal family. Her parents, Walbert and Bertilla, lived in the County of Hainaut.
What happened to Maubeuge Abbey after Aldegund?
Maubeuge Abbey, which originated from a hospital founded by Aldegund, became a famous abbey of Benedictine nuns. However, at a later date, these nuns were replaced by canonesses.
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