- December 3, 2023
2024 Spring Appeal – “This is My Body… This is My Blood.”
2024 Spring Appeal – “This is My Body… This is My Blood.”
Waltrude was born in northern France in the seventh century, the daughter of the count St. Walbert and princess St. Bertilia. Waltrude’s sister, the abbess Aldegonde, is also venerated as a saint, along with their cousin St. Aya. Around the year 635, Waltrude married a pious young nobleman named Madelgarius, who was one of the most faithful members of the court of King Dagobert I, ruler of the Franks. The couple had four children, all of whom are listed among the saints. After their youngest child died at the age of seven, Waltrude and her husband retired to separate monasteries, with Madelgarius joining one he had already founded as a layman. He died some eleven years before his wife, and is venerated as a saint under his religious name, Vincent. With the guidance of the abbot St. Ghislain and the bishop St. Aubert of Cambray, Waltrude founded a convent around which grew the city of Mons, of which she is still the patroness. After several years of noble mortifications, living as a humble servant rather than leading her own monastery, Waltrude died on April 9th in the year of Our Lord 686 or 688.
AT Antioch, St. Prochorus, who was one of the first seven deacons. Renowned for faith and miracles, he was crowned with martyrdom.
At Rome the birthday of the holy martyrs Demetrius, Concessus, Hilary and their companions.
At Sirmium, seven holy virgins and martyrs, who purchased eternal life together, at the price of their own blood.
At Caesarea, in Cappadocia, St. Eupsychius, martyr, who suffered martyrdom under Julian the Apostate, for having overthrown the temple of Fortune.
In Africa, the holy Massylitan martyrs, on whose birthday St. Augustine delivered a discourse.
At Amida, in Mesopotamia, St. Acatius, bishop, who melted and sold even the sacred vessels in order to ransom captives.
At Rouen, St. Hugh, bishop and confessor.
At Die, St. Marcellus, bishop, celebrated for miracles.
In Judea, St. Mary Cleophas, sister of the most Blessed Mary, Mother of God.
At Rome, the translation of the body of St. Monica, mother of the blessed bishop Augustine, which was brought from Ostia to Rome, under the Sovereign Pontiff, Martin V, and with due honors buried in the Church of St. Augustine.
At Mons, in Hainaut, blessed Waltrude, renowned for holiness of life and miracles.
℣. And elsewhere many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.
℟. Thanks be to God.
