Saint of the Day: St. Hedwig

Widow (1174-1243)

Her life

+ Hedwig was born in Bavaria around the year 1174.  

+ At the age of twelve she married Henry, Duke of Silesia, and she became the mother of seven children.  

+ Known for her piety and devotion, she dedicated herself to the care of the poor and sick, founding hospitals and a home for lepers. 

+ Following the death of her husband, Hedwig lived as a lay sister Cistercian monastery of Trzebnica, which was one of the many religious houses she had founded (although she did not take religious vows).  

+ Distinguished for her prophecies, miracles, and care for the poor, she died in 1243. Saint Hedwig was canonized in 1267 and is honored as one of the patrons of Poland.

For prayer and reflection

“Just as her devotion made her always seek after God, so her generous piety turned her toward her neighbor, and she bountifully bestowed alms on the needy. She gave aid to colleges and to religious persons dwelling within or outside monasteries, to widows and orphans, to the weak and the feeble, to lepers and those bound in chains or imprisoned, to travelers and needy women nursing infants. She allowed no one who came to her for help to go away uncomforted.”—From a contemporary account of the life of Saint Hedwig

Spiritual bonus

On this day we also celebrate the memory of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque. A nun of the Order of the Visitation, she was graced to receive a series of private revelations during which she was given the special charge to promote devotion to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Saint Margaret Mary died in 1690 and was canonized in 1920.

Prayer

Grant, we pray, almighty God,
that the revered intercession of Saint Hedwig
may bring us heavenly aid,
just as her wonderful life
is an example of humility for all.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(from The Roman Missal)
Saint profiles prepared by Fr. Silas Henderson, S.D.S