Austrebertha
Austrebertha was a French nun of the Middle Ages, born around 630. She is venerated as a saint for her monastic life and the founding of monasteries. She is chiefly remembered for her refusal of an arranged marriage and her legendary encounter with a wolf.
- Feast Day
- February 10
- Century
- 8th century
- Country Or Region
- France
Key Facts
- ›She was born about 630 in Thérouanne, Pas-de-Calais.
- ›Austrebertha refused an arranged marriage and entered the Port-le-Grand Monastery in Ponthieu around 656.
- ›She founded another monastery in Marconne in Artois and later established a monastery at Pavilly.
- ›She is said to have performed miracles, including the appearance of a healing spring.
- ›Her relics were reportedly brought to Canterbury by the Normans.
- ›Two towns in France are named Sainte-Austreberthe for her.
Austreberta, Eustreberta, Austreberta of Pavilly, Austreberthe
About Austrebertha
Austrebertha was a French nun of the Middle Ages, born around 630 and dying on February 10, 704. She is recognized as a saint in both the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. Her life is marked by her dedication to monasticism and her role as a founder of religious communities.
Life and historical context
Born in Thérouanne, Pas-de-Calais, to Saint Framechildis and Count Palatine Badefrid, Austrebertha resisted an arranged marriage. Around 656, she entered the Port-le-Grand Monastery in Ponthieu. She received the veil from Saint Omer. Later, she established her own monastery in Marconne, Artois, within her parents' former home. She subsequently founded another significant monastery at Pavilly.
Miracles and legends
Though not widely known outside Upper Normandy, Austreberthe was credited with performing miracles during her lifetime. One account describes the appearance of a spring in a chapel, which gave rise to a river with healing properties for those with disabilities. A particularly popular legend tells of Austrebertha and her nuns sending sacristy cloths to the abbey of Jumieges for washing. When the donkey carrying the linen went missing, Austrebertha encountered a wolf that confessed to killing the animal. She reprimanded the wolf but forgave it, commanding it to carry the laundry instead. The wolf is said to have fulfilled this task for the remainder of its life.
Veneration and legacy
Austrebertha's feast day is observed on February 10. She is venerated in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. Two towns in France are named Sainte-Austreberthe in her honor, located in the Pas-de-Calais and Seine-Maritime départements. A chapel in Saint-Denis-le-Ferment hosts a pilgrimage on Whit Monday, and some of her relics are believed to have been brought to Canterbury by the Normans. The tale of Austrebertha and the wolf is depicted in stained glass windows in the village of Sainte-Austreberthe.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Austrebertha?
Austrebertha was a French nun who lived from approximately 630 to 704. She is venerated as a saint for her devout life and her role in founding monasteries.
What is Austrebertha known for?
She is known for refusing an arranged marriage to pursue a religious life, founding monasteries in Pavilly and Marconne, and for a popular legend involving a wolf carrying laundry.
When is Austrebertha's feast day?
Her feast day is celebrated on February 10th each year.
Where did Austrebertha live?
Austrebertha was born in Thérouanne, Pas-de-Calais, and lived and founded monasteries in the regions of Ponthieu, Artois, and Pavilly, which are in modern-day France.
Are there any miracles attributed to Austrebertha?
Yes, it is said that a spring appeared in a chapel and gave rise to a river with healing properties for the disabled and lame during her lifetime.
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