Saint Donivald

Biography

Saint Donivald, also known as Donald, was an 8th-century layman who resided in Ogilvy, Scotland. He is best known as the loving father of nine daughters, who would later be recognized by the Church as the Nine Maidens. The life of Saint Donivald is a testament to his commitment to God, his dedication to his family, and his desire to lead a life of holiness. Born in Scotland during the 8th century, Donivald lived during a time of turmoil and uncertainty. Despite these challenges, he married and was blessed with nine daughters, whom he loved dearly. Over time, Donivald felt a calling to pursue a life of greater devotion to God, guided by the teachings of Christianity. In obedience to this calling, Saint Donivald made the decision for himself and his daughters to embrace a life of solitude and seclusion. They withdrew from the world and settled in Ogilvy, Scotland, where they lived as hermits. Their humble dwelling became their sanctuary, a place where they could focus their hearts and minds solely on God. Within the solitude of their hermitage, Saint Donivald and the Nine Maidens dedicated themselves to prayer, contemplation, and acts of penance. Despite the challenges that lay ahead of them, they found strength and encouragement in one another, constantly supporting and inspiring each other on their spiritual journey. Their selflessness and devotion were truly reflective of their deep love for God and their desire to lead lives of holiness. Throughout their lives as hermits, the holy family of Saint Donivald worked diligently to grow in their love for God and to deepen their faith. They sought to bring others closer to God as well, offering guidance, support, and prayer for those who sought it. Their reputations for their virtuous lives and their dedication to a life of holiness spread far and wide, attracting many who wished to learn from their example. Years passed, and the impact of Saint Donivald and the Nine Maidens' lives continued to grow. Their devotion to God and their commitment to each other inspired countless individuals, who witnessed the spiritual strength and the remarkable unity of this humble family. Their unwavering faith and their dedication to prayer served as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all who encountered them. Upon the death of Saint Donivald, his daughters carried on his legacy, continuing to live as the Nine Maidens and spreading the message of God's love and mercy through their lives and teachings. Their virtuous example and commitment to the faith left an indelible mark on the community, and their influence in Scotland endured for generations. Although Saint Donivald's life and the lives of his daughters were lived in relative obscurity, their dedication to God and their extraordinary witness to Christian virtues have not been forgotten. While they may not be officially recognized as patrons or have specific representations attributed to them, their feast day on July 15th serves as a reminder of their inspiring lives and their deep faith. While Saint Donivald and the Nine Maidens lived during a time when the formal process of canonization did not exist, their heroic virtues and profound impact on those around them undoubtedly make them worthy of veneration. Even without a formal canonization, their legacy endures, reminding us of the power of faith, the strength of family, and the profound impact we can have on others when we dedicate our lives to God's service.