Saint Bertha of Bingen

Biography

Saint Pega of Peakirk, also known as Pega of Croyland, Margareta of..., Pea of..., Pee of..., Pege of..., Peggy of..., Pègue of..., and Pegia of..., was a renowned Catholic saint who lived during the 8th century. She was born in Mercia, England, and was the daughter of Penwalh, a nobleman. Pega was also the sister of another famous saint, Guthlac of Croyland, and was related to the royal family of the East Angles. Pega chose to live a life of solitude and devotion to God, following in the footsteps of her brother Guthlac. She became a hermit and settled in the Fens, a marshy area in Northamptonshire, England, near her brother's hermitage. Pega's deep spirituality and commitment to God were soon put to the test when the devil attempted to deceive Guthlac by taking on her appearance. The devil, in the disguise of Pega, tried to convince Guthlac to break his vow of fasting before sunset. However, Guthlac, sensing the deception, resisted the devil's temptations. To avoid any further attempts by the devil to deceive her brother, Pega made the difficult decision to leave the area and never returned to Guthlac's life. She sought refuge as an anchoress near Croyland Abbey, where she dedicated herself even more fervently to a life of prayer, solitude, and penance. Pega's reputation as a holy woman grew, and a church was eventually built on the site of her hermitage in Peakirk, which literally means "Pega's Church." The church became a place of pilgrimage for those seeking spiritual solace and healing. Even today, an Anglican convent dedicated to Saint Pega survives in the area. In the year 714, Pega received news of her brother Guthlac's passing and embarked on a journey to attend his funeral. While en route, she encountered a blind man from Wisbech who desperately sought her assistance. Through her prayers and intercession, Pega miraculously cured the man of his blindness, a testament to her saintly powers and devotion to God. After fulfilling her duty to her brother, Pega continued her pilgrimage to Rome, Italy. However, she did not reach her homeland, as she passed away before returning home in the year 719. Pega's death was attributed to natural causes, and she was widely venerated as a saint even before the formal canonization process was established. Saint Pega of Peakirk holds a significant place in Christian history, particularly in the area where she once lived. Her dedication to a life of solitude and devotion, her miracles, and her connection to Guthlac of Croyland have made her an inspiration to many seeking a deeper understanding of their faith. Although there is no specific patronage associated with Saint Pega, her story continues to be shared and celebrated, honoring her as a woman of deep spirituality and unwavering faith in God.