Saint Angadrisma of Beauvais

Biography

Saint Angadrisma of Beauvais, also known as Andragasyna, Angadreme, Angadresima, Angadrême, and Angradesma, was born around 615 in the Diocese of Thérouanne, France. She was the cousin of Saint Lambert of Lyon and received her early education from Lambert and Saint Omer in Therouanne. From a young age, Angadrisma felt a deep calling to religious life, but unfortunately, her family arranged for her to marry Saint Ansbert of Chaussy. Faced with the prospect of an arranged marriage that she dreaded, Angadrisma turned to prayer, fervently asking for a miracle to prevent the marriage. In a mysterious turn of events, she was suddenly struck with leprosy. This unforeseen occurrence led to the breaking off of the arranged marriage, as Ansbert went on to marry someone else. Angadrisma, now cured of her leprosy, dedicated herself to a life of service to God and became a nun. The cure was said to have occurred the moment she received the veil from Saint Ouen, the archbishop of Rouen. Angadrisma's remarkable journey continued as she became the abbess of the Benedictine monastery of Oroër-des-Vierge near Beauvais, France. During her tenure as abbess, she gained a reputation as a miracle worker. One of her notable feats was when she successfully stopped a fire that threatened to destroy the monastery. To accomplish this, she fervently prayed while holding up the relics of the monastery's founder, Saint Ebrulf of Ouche. Saint Angadrisma is often depicted in art as a praying leper or a woman with her face covered in smallpox scars or leprous skin. Her representation as a leper signifies the time when she was afflicted with leprosy, which ultimately led to her renouncing her arranged marriage and embracing religious life. She is venerated as a saint, and her feast days are celebrated on October 14th and June 27th. In 1472, King Louis XI instituted a procession in her honor to commemorate the protection she provided when Beauvais, France, was besieged. After her death, which was believed to have occurred around 696 at the Oroër-des-Vierge Abbey in Beauvais, she was laid to rest at the abbey. However, in 851, invading Normans destroyed the abbey, and her relics were transferred to the Church of Saint Michael in Beauvais. Later, during the French Revolution, her relics were relocated once again, this time to the Cathedral of Beauvais. Saint Angadrisma is regarded as the patron saint against drought, fire, and slander. She is also honored as the patron saint of Beauvais, France, and the Diocese of Beauvais-Noyon-Senlis in France. Her life story serves as an example of faith, perseverance, and the power of prayer in overcoming adversity. Saint Angadrisma's devotion to God and her intercession continue to inspire and bless those who seek her help and protection.