Eugénie d'Alsace

Eugénie d'Alsace, also known as Eugenia of Alsace, was a significant figure in the monastic history of Alsace, serving as the second abbess of Hohenburg Abbey from 721 to 735. She is venerated as a Christian saint, with her feast day observed on September 16th, the date of her death.

Life and Historical Context

Born into nobility as the daughter of Adalbert of Alsace, Duke of Alsace, Eugénie followed a spiritual path established by her aunt, Saint Odile, the revered first abbess of Hohenburg Abbey. Saint Odile is known as the patron saint of good eyesight, and the mountain on which the abbey stands is named in her honor. Eugénie's signature as abbess is recorded in a document from 722, indicating her active leadership during that period.

Eugénie governed the monastery for fifteen years, emulating the virtues of her predecessor and providing an edifying example to her holy community. The text highlights the spiritual dedication of young virgins from prominent families who renounced comfortable lives to embrace penance under her guidance. This commitment to a devout life within the convent was considered a testament to the flourishing spiritual atmosphere of Lower Alsace.

Death and Legacy

Eugénie d'Alsace died of natural causes in 735 at Hohenburg. Her body was interred in the convent's chapel of Saint Jean Baptiste, situated near the tomb of her aunt, Saint Odile. Her image is still preserved in a mosaic within this chapel, a lasting visual representation of her presence.

Her remains were kept secure until 1622, when the Thirty Years' War brought invasion by Swedish troops. The soldiers opened her tomb and scattered her bones. While many were lost, the nuns managed to collect a few relics. Some of these dispersed remains were later transferred to the church of Oberehnheim and the parish church in Willgottheim, both located in Alsace, France, marking the continued veneration of Eugénie d'Alsace.