Saint Matilda
Stored in Cargo: Saint Matilda
| Saint Matilda | |
| Feast Day | March 14 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Large families, disappointing children, falsely accused people, queens, second marriages, widows |
| Birthplace | Engern, Westphalia, Kingdom of Germany (modern-day Germany) |
| Death Place | Quedlinburg, Saxony, Kingdom of Germany |
| Cause of Death | Natural Causes |
| Primary Shrine | Quedlinburg Abbey, Germany |
Saint Matilda, also known as Matilda of Ringelheim, was a queen consort of East Francia (Germany) through her marriage to King Henry I "The Fowler". Born into nobility, she was known for her piety, charity, and founding of numerous religious institutions. After Henry's death, she faced familial conflicts over inheritance but reconciled with her sons, Otto I and Henry, eventually dedicating her life to monastic pursuits and charity.
Matilda is revered for her generosity, especially towards the poor, and for her efforts in establishing several monasteries, including those at Quedlinburg, Nordhausen, and Pöhlde. She died in Quedlinburg, where she is buried alongside her husband.
Biography
Birth
Matilda was born around 895 in Engern, Westphalia, in what is now Germany.
Early Life
Raised by her grandmother, the Abbess of Erfurt, she was given a religious education, which influenced her later life.
Occupation
As queen, she managed royal estates and was involved in political affairs, but her primary focus was on charity and church patronage.
Vocation
After her husband's death, she embraced a life more dedicated to religious works, founding monasteries and engaging in acts of charity.
Death
Matilda died on March 14, 968, in Quedlinburg, Saxony, from natural causes.
Significant events
- Married Henry I in 909, who later became King of Germany.
- Supported and founded numerous religious institutions, including Quedlinburg Abbey.
- Conflict with her sons over her charitable donations led to her temporary retirement from court life, but she was later reconciled.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Engern, Westphalia, Kingdom of Germany (modern-day Germany)
Death location: Quedlinburg, Saxony, Kingdom of Germany
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Death
Matilda passed away peacefully in Quedlinburg, continuing her life of piety and charity until her last days.
Canonization
Servant of God
Her recognition as a saint was traditional, based on her life and the miracles attributed to her.
Venerable
Not applicable as this title was formalized later.
Beatification
Not formally beatified; her sanctity was recognized through popular veneration.
Canonization
Matilda was not formally canonized through modern procedures but is recognized as a saint due to her life of holiness and her posthumous miracles.
Miracles
No specific miracles for her canonization are well-documented; her sanctity was more based on her life:
Miracle for beatification
Not applicable.
Miracle for canonization
Not applicable.
Other notable miracles
Posthumously, miracles were attributed to her intercession, leading to her traditional veneration.
Patronage
Matilda is the patron saint of large families, disappointing children, falsely accused people, queens, second marriages, and widows.
Feast day
Saint Matilda's feast day is celebrated on March 14.
Veneration
She is venerated particularly in Germany, where her relics are kept in Quedlinburg Abbey. Her life is celebrated for her charitable works and her role in fostering Christianity in medieval Germany.
Books
Written about the saint
Various historical accounts and hagiographies, particularly focusing on her role in the Ottonian dynasty.
Written by the saint
No known writings by Saint Matilda exist.