World

SAINT PROFILE: GUDULA

DIED C.712; FEAST: JANUARY 8

1/10/2017

The famous cathedral-like Church of Sainte-Gudule in Brussels, Belgium, is dedicated to this laywoman. The daughter of Count Witger and St. Amalburga, she was brought up at the convent in Nivelles under the care of her cousin, St. Gertrude. Afterward, she lived with her parents at Hamme, and was said to spend her days in prayer and good works. Her Carolingian dynasty kinship produced a number of saints, including her sister, Raineld. Her relics were moved from church to church, and Emperor Charlemagne reportedly prayed before them.