Saint Matilda of Saxony

Biography

Saint Matilda of Saxony, also known as Matilda of Germany or Matilda of Ringelheim, was born around 895 in Engern, Westphalia, Germany. She was the daughter of Count Dietrich of Westphalia and Reinhild of Denmark. After the death of her parents, Matilda was raised by her grandmother, who was the abbess of the Eufurt.

In 913, Matilda left the abbey and married King Henry the Fowler of Saxony (Henry I), who had received an annulment from a previous marriage. As queen of Germany, Matilda gave birth to several children, including Otto, who later became Holy Roman Emperor; Henry the Quarrelsome, Duke of Bavaria; Saint Bruno the Great, Archbishop of Cologne, Germany; Gerberga, wife of King Louis IV of France; and Hedwig, mother of Hugh Capet.

Saint Matilda's influence extended beyond her role as a mother and queen. She founded several Benedictine abbeys and was well-known throughout the realm for her generosity and charity. She dedicated herself to teaching the ignorant, comforting the sick, and visiting prisoners.

However, Saint Matilda's life was not without challenges. After King Henry's death, she was betrayed by her own son Otto. He falsely accused her of financial mismanagement, tarnishing her reputation. Despite these false allegations, Matilda remained steadfast in her faith and continued to serve others.

Saint Matilda of Saxony is often represented with symbols of her generosity, such as alms, bags of money, a crown, an orb, and a scepter. She is depicted as a queen holding a whip or a church, emphasizing her royal status and her devotion to the Church.

Saint Matilda died on March 14, 968, in Quedlinburg, Germany, from natural causes. She was buried in the monastery at Quedlinburg, where her tomb is still venerated by pilgrims today.

Devoted to her family, the poor, and the marginalized, Saint Matilda of Saxony is revered as a patron saint for various causes. She is especially invoked for the death and disappointing children, those who are falsely accused, large families, people ridiculed for their piety, queens, second marriages, and widows.

The life of Saint Matilda serves as an example of steadfast faith, selflessness, and resilience in the face of adversity. Her legacy continues to inspire and strengthen the faithful.