Blessed

Blessed Bertha de Marbais

Blessed Bertha de Marbais, also known as Bertha of Aywières or Berta, was born into the nobility in the latter 12th century.

Feast Day July 18Died July 18, 1247

Biography

Blessed Bertha de Marbais, also known as Bertha of Aywières or Berta, was born into the nobility in the latter 12th century. She was married to the prince of Molenbaix, which is part of modern-day Belgium. However, Bertha's life took a significant turn when she was widowed, and she felt a profound call to religious life.

Responding to this divine calling, Bertha entered the Aywières Abbey, a Cistercian monastery located in the diocese of Namur, Belgium. In the abbey, she dedicated herself to a life of prayer, contemplation, and service to God. During her time at Aywières, Bertha became a close friend of Saint Lutgardis of Aywières, who was also a notable figure in the Cistercian tradition.

After years of faithful service within the Cistercian community, Bertha was appointed as the first abbess of the newly founded Marchet Abbey near Lille, Belgium in 1226. As the abbess, she led the

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