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Feast Day: July 20
Saint Elswith, also known as Ealsitha, Ealhswith, Etheldwitha, and Ethelwitha, was born a princess in Mercia, an ancient kingdom in what is now modern England. She was married to King Alfred the Great of West Saxons, a powerful ruler in the late 9th century. Despite her royal status, Elswith remained humble and dedicated her life to serving God and others. After the death of King Alfred in 899, Elswith found herself widowed. Rather than remarry or seek worldly power and comfort, she made the decision to enter religious life. Elswith renounced her position as queen and became a nun, embracing a life of prayer, celibacy, and austerity. Driven by her devotion to God, Elswith founded a convent in Winchester, England. This convent became a hub of spiritual and charitable activities, serving as a beacon of hope and faith for the local community. Elswith was appointed as the abbess of this convent, assuming leadership responsibilities and guiding other women in their journey of religious devotion. As abbess, Elswith demonstrated exemplary virtues and qualities of a spiritual leader. She embodied humility, compassion, and selflessness, often tending to the needs of the poor and sick. She encouraged her fellow sisters to live lives of holiness and righteousness, setting an example of integrity and devotion to God. Saint Elswith's life was marked by her deep piety and unwavering faith, inspiring those around her to seek a closer relationship with God. Her dedication to prayer and contemplation served as a source of strength and guidance for her community. Elswith's compassion extended to both humans and animals, as she believed in showing love and kindness to all of God's creation. On July 20th, 903, Saint Elswith passed away, leaving behind a legacy of faith and devotion. Although she was not formally recognized as a saint by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, her reputation for holiness endured, leading to her veneration by the faithful. Saint Elswith remains an inspiration for those seeking spiritual growth and a life of service to others. Her selfless actions and unwavering commitment to her faith continue to resonate with believers, reminding them of the transformative power of God's grace and love.