Saint Richrudis of Marchiennes

Biography

Saint Richrudis of Marchiennes, also known as Richtrude, Rictrude, or Rictrudis, was born in 612 in Gascony, France. She was born into a noble family as the daughter of Ernold. Richrudis was an exemplary woman from a young age, known for her piety and devotion to the Catholic faith. Richrudis was married to the Frankish nobleman Saint Adalbald of Ostrevant. However, her family strongly objected to Adalbald's military incursions into their region, causing constant opposition to their marriage. In spite of these difficulties, Richrudis and Adalbald remained committed to each other and to their Christian beliefs. Together, Richrudis and Adalbald had four children, who would all go on to become saints themselves. These children were Saint Eusebia of Hamage, Saint Clotsindis of Marchiennes, Saint Adalsindis of Hamay, and Saint Maurontius. The couple dedicated themselves and their fortunes to caring for the poor and engaging in various religious projects. Amidst their philanthropic efforts, Richrudis and Adalbald founded a Benedictine double monastery in Marchiennes, Flanders, Belgium. This establishment served as a place of religious devotion and charitable work, providing refuge and care for many in need. The monastery soon became renowned for its spiritual atmosphere and compassionate service. Tragically, Adalbald was murdered, leaving Richrudis a widow. However, her commitment to her faith and her determination to fulfill her purpose remained unwavering. Even in the face of pressure from the royal court to remarry, Richrudis chose to devote herself entirely to her devotion to God. With the assistance of her friend, Saint Amandus, Richrudis resolved to become a Benedictine nun at the very monastery she had helped establish. She embraced the life of a nun wholeheartedly and, through her unwavering dedication, eventually became the abbess of the Marchiennes monastery. She served in this role for an impressive forty years, guiding and nurturing her fellow religious sisters. Notably, three of Richrudis's children, Adalsindis, Clotsindis, and Maurontius, followed their mother's footsteps and lived in religious life alongside her. This was a testament to the profound influence Richrudis had on her family, inspiring them to devote their lives to the service of God. Saint Richrudis of Marchiennes is often represented in art as a nun holding a church in her hand, symbolizing her role in founding the Benedictine double monastery. She is also depicted alongside her children, the saints Saint Eusebia of Hamage, Saint Clotsindis of Marchiennes, Saint Adalsindis, and Saint Maurontius. Richrudis's feast day is celebrated on May 12th, although some calendars also commemorate her on February 7th. She was canonized as a saint before the formal establishment of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, thus considered to be from the Pre-Congregation era. Sadly, during the French Revolution in 1793, the relics of Saint Richrudis were destroyed in Paris, France. However, her memory and influence continue to inspire many, and she is revered as the patron saint of Woesten, Belgium, where her legacy lives on.