Monday, September 9, 2013

SAINT ADELAIDE OF BELLICH

St. Adelaide of Bellich

Feast Day: February 5
 (also known as Alice)
 Died . 1015. Adelaide, daughter of Megengose, Count of Guelder, was abbess of Villich (Bellich, Willich) on the Rhein near Bonn, Germany, and later of Our Lady of the Capitol at Cologne, both of which her parents had founded for her. She is still venerated with an octave at Bellich, where the convent she constituted under the Benedictine rule converted into a church of canonesses. Adelaide insisted that her nuns know Latin so that they might follow the offices properly. She showed prudence in other matters as well, especially in the way in which she provided for the poor during a severe famine. Saint Heribert of Cologne held Adelaide in the highest respect and consulted her in all his difficulties




Abbess and miracle worker, the daughter of Megingoz, the count of Guelders, also called Alice. Adelaide entered the Ursuline Convent in Cologne. Her parents then founded the Convent of Villich near Bonan, and she became abbess there, introducing the Rule of St. Benedict to the community. Her holiness and the miracles attributed to her prompted St. Herbert, the archbishop of Cologne, to appoint Adelaide the abbess of St. Mary's Convent in his city. She succeeded her sister, Bertha, in that office. Adelaide at first refused this honor but was commanded by Emperor Otto II to become the abbess, and agreed. She did not give up her office in Villich, and continued to govern both religious communities. She died on February 5, 1015, in Cologne, but was buried in Villich.

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