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SAINT BEGGA

Feast Day Dec 17 (*)

St. Begga was born in 615, and was the daughter of Pepin of Landen. He was the Mayor of the Palace of Austrasia. Little is known of St. Begga, but on the death of her husband, she joined a Religious Order and ended up being the foundress of seven Churches. She also built a Convent at Andenne, on the Meuse River.

We also know that she spent the rest of her days there, as an Abbess. She was buried in St. Begga’s Collegiate Church in Andenne. Many hold the belief that the “Beguine” movement, which came to light in the 12th century, was actually founded by St. Begga. The Church in the beguinage of Lier, Belgium, has a statute of St. Begga standing above this inscription, “St. Begga, Our Foundress”. The Lier beguinage dates from the 13th century. We do know that the Beguines witnessed the protection of a priest Lambert le Begue, under whose reign the ministry of the Beguines flourished. Tradition tells us that St. Begga died in 603.

Practical Take Away

Very little is known of St. Begga, other than she was the daughter of Pepin of Landen. Her father was a high political figure, and St. Begga was very spiritual child that became a Nun. She went on to found seven Churches, and a Convent at Andenne, on the Meuse River. It is the faith of our early church founders that worked so, that brought us the many traditions we hold dear today. Her work in founding a Convent and seven Churches was a major accomplishment in her day, especially as a woman.

newmanministry.com

(*) Indeed, that is the day of her death. I don't know why Patron_Archive Wiki has her celebrated today.