 |
GudilaSaint of the Roman Catholic Church, patroness of Brussels.
Country:
 Belgium |
Content:
- Saint Gudula: The Patron Saint of Brussels
- Early Life and Upbringing
- Charity and Devotion
- Death and Burial
- Transfer of Relics
- Destruction and Preservation
- Veneration and Legacy
Saint Gudula: The Patron Saint of Brussels
Saint Gudula is a revered figure in the Roman Catholic Church and the patron saint of Brussels.
Early Life and Upbringing
According to the medieval chronicle "Vita Gudulae" (1048-1051), Gudula was born into a noble family as the daughter of Duke Witger of Lorraine and Saint Amalberga of Maubeuge. She had two sisters, Saints Faraildis and Reineldis, and a brother, Saint Emebert, who became Bishop of Cambrai. Gudula received her education at the monastery of her cousin, Saint Gertrude of Nivelles.
Charity and Devotion
After Gertrude's death, Gudula returned home and devoted her life to charitable works. Her generosity and compassion earned her a reputation for holiness.
Death and Burial
Gudula died between 680 and 714. Her remains were interred at the altar of the Church of Saint Salvator in Morsel.
Transfer of Relics
During the reign of Duke Charles (977-992), Saint Gudula's relics were moved to Brussels. Bishop Gerard of Cambrai (died 1054) transferred her relics to the Church of Saint Michael the Archangel, which later became known as the Church of Saint Gudula.
Destruction and Preservation
On June 6, 1579, the Church of Saint Michael the Archangel was ransacked by Protestants. Saint Gudula's relics were exhumed and scattered. Today, a portion of her remains are preserved in the Church of Saint Hildegard in Eibingen, Germany.
Veneration and Legacy
Saint Gudula is widely venerated in Brussels. The Brussels Cathedral is dedicated to her, and squares in Brussels, Môrsel (Belgium), and Eibingen (Germany) bear her name. Her feast day in the Catholic Church is January 8.
