Begga
Saint Begga was a Frankish noblewoman of the 7th century, daughter of Pepin of Landen and mother of Charles Martel. She is remembered for her pilgrimage to Rome and subsequent religious life, during which she founded churches and served as an abbess. Some traditions also associate her with the founding of the Beguine movement.
- Feast Day
- December 17
- Century
- 7th century
- Country Or Region
- Belgium
Key Facts
- ›Begga was the daughter of Pepin of Landen, mayor of the palace of Austrasia, and his wife Itta.
- ›She was the older sister of St Gertrude of Nivelles.
- ›Begga married Ansegisel, son of Arnulf, Bishop of Metz.
- ›She was the mother of Pepin of Heristal and possibly Duke Martin.
- ›After a pilgrimage to Rome, she took the veil and built seven churches at Andenne on the Meuse, where she served as abbess.
- ›She is commemorated on December 17.
Begue, Beghe, Begge
About Begga
Saint Begga
Saint Begga (c. 615 – 17 December 693) was a prominent Frankish noblewoman, known for her piety and religious foundations. She was the daughter of Pepin of Landen, a powerful mayor of the palace of Austrasia, and his wife Itta. Begga held significant familial ties, being the older sister of St Gertrude of Nivelles and the grandmother of Charles Martel, who in turn was the grandfather of the emperor Charlemagne.
Life and Ministry
Begga married Ansegisel, son of Arnulf, Bishop of Metz. Together, they had a son, Pepin of Heristal, who became a key figure in the history of the Frankish realm, and possibly another son, Duke Martin. Following the death of her husband, Ansegisel, who was killed in a feud before 679, Begga embarked on a pilgrimage to Rome.
Upon her return, Begga embraced a religious life, taking the veil. She is credited with establishing seven churches at Andenne on the Meuse River, where she spent the remainder of her days as an abbess. Her burial took place in Saint Begga's Collegiate Church in Andenne.
Veneration and Legacy
Saint Begga is commemorated liturgically on December 17. Her veneration is notable for the association with the Beguine movement, a spiritual and social phenomenon that arose in the 12th century. While some traditions, supported by inscriptions and statues in places like the beguinage of Lier, Belgium, claim her as the foundress of this movement, other theories attribute the name to the priest Lambert le Bègue. Begga is remembered as a figure of religious devotion and a founder of ecclesiastical sites.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were Saint Begga's parents and siblings?
Saint Begga was the daughter of Pepin of Landen, who served as mayor of the palace of Austrasia, and his wife Itta. She was also the older sister of Saint Gertrude of Nivelles.
Who was Saint Begga married to and who were her children?
Begga married Ansegisel, who was the son of Arnulf, Bishop of Metz. They had a son named Pepin of Heristal, and possibly another son, Duke Martin.
What is Saint Begga known for in her religious life?
After a pilgrimage to Rome, Begga took the veil and became an abbess. She is credited with building seven churches at Andenne on the Meuse, where she spent the remainder of her days. She was eventually buried in Saint Begga's Collegiate Church in Andenne.
Is Saint Begga the founder of the Beguines?
Some traditions suggest that Saint Begga founded the Beguine movement, which emerged in the 12th century. A statue in Lier, Belgium, identifies her as their foundress. However, another theory proposes that the Beguines derived their name from the priest Lambert le Bègue.
When is Saint Begga's feast day?
Saint Begga is commemorated on December 17.
Related Saints
Sturm
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John of Matha
John of Matha was a French Catholic priest and co-founder of the Order of the Most Holy Trinity. He is primarily remembered for his dedication to ransoming Christian captives from North African marauders, a mission inspired by a vision he experienced during his first Mass. His work led to the establishment of a religious order devoted to this cause, which rescued thousands of slaves.
Gertrude of Nivelles
Gertrude of Nivelles was a Frankish abbess who, with her mother Itta, founded the Abbey of Nivelles in present-day Belgium. She is venerated in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions for her devout monastic life, charitable works, and prophetic insights. Gertrude is remembered for her rejection of a political marriage in favor of a religious vocation and for her role in establishing a significant monastic center.