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Feast Day: December 20
Death: December 20, 941
Blessed Aldara √âriz De Lugo, also known as Aldara de Celanova, Ildaura, Ilduara, and Hilduara Erici, was born into the Galician nobility in Portomarín, Lugo, Galicia (in modern Spain) around the year 880. She was the daughter of Count Ero Fernández and Adosinda Romanez de Monterroso and the sister of Saint Godiña.
Aldara's life was marked by her deep faith and personal piety. Legend tells that she and her husband, Count Gutier Menéndez, struggled with infertility for several years. However, after Count Gutier had a vision of an angel, he responded by freeing indentured servants, constructing a chapel, and generously giving away half of his wealth. Miraculously, Aldara soon conceived and gave birth to several children, including Saint Rudesind, Count Froila Gutiérrez of Trastámara, Count Munio Guterres de Celanova of Sobrado, Ermesinda Gutiérrez de Coimbra, Froila Guterres, and Alosinda.
After Count Gutier's death around 935, Aldara dedicated herself to a life of prayer and founded the Benedictine convent of Santa Maria di Villanueva near Cellanova, Galicia, Spain. She subsequently joined the convent as a nun, with her daughter Alosinda serving as her abbess. Aldara's commitment to her religious calling exemplified her devotion to penance and marked her as a model of holiness for others.
Blessed Aldara Ériz De Lugo lived a life centered on faith, service, and devotion. She peacefully passed away on 20 December 941 of natural causes and was buried at the San Salvador de Celanova monastery in Celanova, Galicia, Spain. Her son, Saint Rudesind, later built a sepulcher for her at the monastery. In 1717, her relics were exhumed and enshrined, emphasizing the lasting veneration and honor bestowed upon her by the faithful.
Though not yet formally beatified, Blessed Aldara Ériz De Lugo is remembered on the Benedictine martyrology on her feast day, which is celebrated on 20 December. Her story serves as a source of inspiration, highlighting the power of faith, generosity, and perseverance in the face of challenges.