Relindis of Maaseik

Saint Relindis, also known by the name Renule, was a prominent religious figure in the 8th century, recognized for her abbacy and artistic skills. She was the sister of Saint Herlindis and the daughter of count Adelard. Her life and veneration are closely tied to the establishment and early history of the Abbey of Aldeneik.

Life and Ministry

Relindis and her sister Herlindis were raised at the Benedictine monastery in Valenciennes. Their father, Adelard, and his wife later established a monastery for their daughters at Maaseik, which would become known as the Abbey of Aldeneik. This abbey was consecrated in 728. Following the death of Saint Herlindis, who had been consecrated as the first abbess by Willibrord, Relindis was appointed to succeed her by Saint Boniface. Relindis was noted for her talents in embroidery and painting.

Legacy and Veneration

The purported vestments attributed to Saints Harlindis and Relindis, now housed in Maaseik, Belgium, are considered among the earliest surviving examples of Anglo-Saxon embroidery. Although traditionally believed to be the work of the sisters themselves, scholarly analysis suggests these pieces are of Anglo-Saxon English origin and date to the latter half of the ninth century, a period after their deaths. Veneration of Saints Harlindis and Relindis gained significant traction throughout the diocese of Liège. Her feast day is observed on February 6. A special commemoration, known as an Ommegang, is held every twenty-five years to honor the transfer of their relics from Sint-Anna Church in Aldeneik to Sint-Catharinakerk in Maaseik, with the most recent event occurring in 2022.