Bertilia
Bertilia was a saint and virgin from Northern France, known for her early devotion to God and her life of piety and mercy. Despite an arranged marriage, she and her husband lived in chastity, dedicating their lives and fortunes to helping the poor. She is remembered for establishing a church and monastery and for her relics being enshrined and moved for veneration.
- Feast Day
- January 3
- Century
- 7th century
- Country Or Region
- France
Key Facts
- ›Bertilia was a saint and virgin from Northern France.
- ›She came from wealthy noble parents and was known for her beauty, gentle speech, and modest manner.
- ›Bertilia refused an early marriage proposal to live as a hermit but eventually married Guthland at her parents' urging.
- ›She and Guthland lived chastely together as brother and sister, dedicating themselves to works of mercy and piety.
- ›After her husband's death, Bertilia founded a church and monastery.
- ›Her relics were enshrined in 1081 and moved again in 1221 for veneration.
Bertilla
About Bertilia
Bertilia, also known as Bertilla, was a saint and virgin venerated for her piety and charitable works in Northern France. She died in 687 and is recognized for her dedication to a life of religious devotion.
Life and Historical Context
Born to wealthy noble parents, Bertilia was described as "very beautiful, gentle in speech, and modest in manner." From an early age, she felt a strong calling to dedicate herself solely to the service of God. Despite her desire to live as a hermit, her parents urged her to marry a young man of noble birth named Guthland. Bertilia agreed to the marriage but, at her request, she and Guthland lived together in chastity, maintaining a relationship akin to that of a brother and sister.
Together, Bertilia and Guthland devoted their lives and fortunes to helping the poor and practicing hospitality. According to hagiographer Agnes Dunbar, their lives were characterized by "works of mercy and piety."
Religious Life and Legacy
Following her husband's death, Bertilia generously gave her property to the church. She retained a small estate, upon which she established a church dedicated to Saint Amandus, a small adjoining cell for her personal dwelling, and a monastery in Artois.
Bertilia died after being seized with terrible pain following a long day of prayer in her cell. She was buried in Artois. Her veneration as a saint was formally recognized in 1081 when Gerald II, the bishop of Cambray, enshrined her remains. Her relics were moved again in 1221 to Mareuil, where they continued to be venerated into the early 1900s. Dunbar also reported that a fountain at Marceuil was a site of pilgrimage for those seeking healing from blindness.
Bertilia's feast day is observed on January 3.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Saint Bertilia?
Saint Bertilia, also known as Bertilla, was a virgin saint from Northern France who lived in the 7th century. She was from a wealthy noble family and dedicated her life to God from an early age.
What is Saint Bertilia remembered for?
Bertilia is remembered for her devotion to God, her life of chastity and mercy, and her charitable works. She and her husband lived as brother and sister, dedicating their lives and fortunes to helping the poor. She also founded a church and monastery.
When is Saint Bertilia's feast day?
Saint Bertilia's feast day is celebrated on January 3rd.
Where are Saint Bertilia's relics venerated?
Bertilia's relics were enshrined in 1081 and later moved to Mareuil in 1221, where they were venerated as of the early 1900s. A fountain at Marceuil was also associated with healing from blindness.
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