Odilia of Cologne
Saint Odilia is venerated in the Roman Catholic Church, though her feast day is not officially commemorated. She is particularly remembered as a patroness of good eyesight. Legend places her as a daughter of a British ruler who, along with other virgins including St. Ursula, was martyred at Cologne.
- Feast Day
- 18 July
- Century
- 4th century
- Country Or Region
- Germany
Key Facts
- ›Saint Odilia is venerated in the Roman Catholic Church.
- ›Her feast day is 18 July, but it is not officially commemorated.
- ›She is known as a patroness of good eyesight.
- ›Legend states she was the daughter of a ruler in Britain.
- ›She was martyred at the gates of Cologne with other young women.
- ›Her relics were traced in Cologne in 1287 and moved to Huy, Belgium, with reported cures of blindness along the way.
Odile, Ottilia
Crosier Order
About Odilia of Cologne
Saint Odilia, also referred to as Odile or Ottilia, is a saint venerated within the Roman Catholic Church. While her feast day is observed on July 18th, it is not officially commemorated on the current liturgical calendar. She is recognized as a patroness of good eyesight.
Legend and Veneration
Legend offers limited details about Saint Odilia's life. She is said to have lived in the 4th century and to have been the daughter of a ruler, described as a "king," in Britain. According to one account, she was traveling in Germany with a group of other young women, including Saint Ursula, on a pilgrimage to Rome. Another version suggests they were seeking a place to settle and practice their faith quietly.
Their journey reportedly ended tragically at the gates of Cologne when "barbarians," identified as Huns in the legend of Saint Ursula, intercepted them and martyred them. This event places her within the hagiographical tradition of the martyrs of Cologne.
A significant event in her later veneration occurred in 1287 when Odilia reportedly appeared to a brother of the Crosier Order in Paris. Following her request, her relics were located in Cologne and subsequently moved to the Crosier Order's motherhouse at Huy in Belgium. During this relocation, various cures of blindness and other ailments were reported along the route.
Today, some of her relics are housed in her shrine in Onamia, Minnesota, while others are distributed globally, indicating a continued, albeit often unofficial, veneration.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Saint Odilia of Cologne?
Saint Odilia is a saint venerated in the Roman Catholic Church. Legend describes her as the daughter of a British ruler who was martyred at Cologne.
What is Saint Odilia the patroness of?
Saint Odilia is chiefly remembered as a patroness of good eyesight. Many cures of blindness were reported during the transport of her relics.
When is Saint Odilia's feast day?
Her feast day is listed as 18 July. However, according to the current liturgical calendar, it is not officially commemorated.
What is the legend surrounding Saint Odilia?
According to legend, she was traveling in Germany with a group of virgins, including St. Ursula, possibly on a pilgrimage or seeking a place to practice their faith. They were intercepted and martyred by 'barbarians' at the gates of Cologne.
Where are Saint Odilia's relics located?
In 1287, her relics were traced in Cologne and moved to the motherhouse of the Crosier Order in Huy, Belgium. Some of her relics are now in her shrine in Onamia, Minnesota, with others spread globally.
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