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Feast Day: October 17
Saint Anstrudis of Laon, also known as Anstrudis of Picardy, was born in the seventh century to Saint Blandinus of Laon and Saint Sadalberga. She was the sister of Saint Baldwin, and together they formed a family of deep faith and devotion.
When Sadalberga made the decision to withdraw from the world and become the abbess of the Saint John the Baptist Convent in Laon, France, Anstrudis willingly followed her mother's path and entered the convent as a nun. Anstrudis fully embraced the monastic life, dedicating herself to prayer, contemplation, and serving her fellow sisters.
Tragedy struck when Sadalberga passed away, leaving the position of abbess vacant. Reluctantly, Anstrudis accepted the responsibility and became the abbess of the convent. However, she did not let her new role hinder her devotion to her sisters or her commitment to spiritual practices. She became renowned for her care and concern for the needs of her fellow nuns, often going above and beyond to ensure their well-being.
Anstrudis was known for her all-night vigils, spending hours in prayer and meditation. She embraced a life of self-imposed austerity, fasting regularly and practicing various forms of mortification. Through her dedication and unwavering faith, Anstrudis became a shining example of virtue within the convent and beyond.
During Anstrudis' time, the Church faced persecution under the rule of Ebroin, the mayor of the palace. Saint Baldwin, her beloved brother, was unjustly killed by Ebroin. Fearing for her own safety, Anstrudis encountered the mayor but remained steadfast in her simple and unwavering faith. Astonishingly, her simple faith won over Ebroin, and he spared her life.
Saint Anstrudis of Laon died peacefully in 688 of natural causes. Although her virtues and sanctity were recognized during her lifetime, her canonization occurred before the establishment of a formal canonization process, and as such, she was never officially canonized by the Church. Nonetheless, she is venerated as a saint and remains a powerful intercessor for those who seek her help.
Today, Saint Anstrudis is honored and remembered on October 17th. Her life continues to inspire countless individuals to live a life of devotion, selflessness, and faith.