Saint Aleydis of Schaerbeek

Saint Aleydis of Schaerbeek, also known as Adelaide, Aleide, Alice the Leper, Alice of Schaerbeek, Alix, Adelheid, Aliz de Schaerbeck, or Aleydis of Scharembeke, was born in the 12th century in Schaerbeck, Belgium. At the age of seven, she was sent to the Cistercian convent of Camera Sanctae Mariae to receive an education. Aleydis embraced the religious life and remained at the convent for the rest of her life. During her adolescence, Aleydis was afflicted with leprosy, which caused her to be isolated from the community. Despite her isolation, she displayed an incredible spirit and courage in bearing her illness. Her example of faith and acceptance served as an inspiration to the rest of the community. Throughout her time in isolation, Aleydis developed a deep devotion to the Real Presence in the Eucharist. However, due to the danger of contagion, she was unable to directly partake from the cup. Nonetheless, she remained steadfast in her love for Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. As her disease progressed, Aleydis became blind and paralyzed. Despite these physical limitations, she remained spiritually vibrant and experienced mystical visions and ecstasies. During one of these ecstasies, Christ Himself visited her to assure her of the full communion she was experiencing through the Eucharist. Remarkably, Aleydis was gifted with the ability to heal others, although she herself was not granted healing from her own leprosy. This selfless act of healing others exhibited her deep compassion for those suffering around her. Saint Aleydis of Schaerbeek died at sunrise on Saturday, 11 June 1250, peacefully passing away from natural causes. Her holy life and the impact she had on the Cistercian community were widely recognized, leading to her eventual canonization. On 1 July 1702, Pope Clement XI granted the monks of the Fuliensi Congregation of Saint Bernard permission to celebrate her feast day. The cultus, or veneration, of Saint Aleydis was extended to the entire Cistercian Order in 1870. In 1907, Pope Pius X further extended her cultus to all of Belgium, confirming her status as a revered saint in the Catholic Church. Saint Aleydis of Schaerbeek is a patron saint for blind people and paralyzed individuals. Her unwavering faith, courage, and devotion to the Eucharist serve as an inspiration to all, reminding us of the power of faith and the transformative love of God even in the midst of great suffering.