Saint Koupaïa

Biography

Saint Koupaïa, also known as Aspasia, Aspasie, Coupaïa, Koupaia, Pompaïa, Pompée, or Pompey, was born in the latter 5th century in the British Isles. She was born a princess, the daughter of King Eusebius and Saint Landouenne, and from a young age, she learned about her faith at her mother's knee. In the early 6th century, Koupaïa immigrated from the British Isles to Brittany in France. Her purpose was to marry King Hoel I and become the queen of Armorique in Brittany. She embraced her role as queen with grace and dedication, serving her people faithfully. Tragedy struck in 509 when invading Frisians forced King Hoel and his court into exile in England. For a few years, they lived away from their beloved kingdom. However, in 513, King Hoel managed to recapture his kingdom and once again became the ruler of Armorique. During her time as queen, Koupaïa gave birth to seven children, who would later become known for their holiness. Among them were Saint Tugdual, Saint Sève, Saint Lunaire, and King Hoël II of Brittany. Koupaïa nurtured them in the ways of the faith, imparting her knowledge and devotion, just as her mother had done before her. Sadly, King Hoel passed away, leaving Koupaïa a widow. In the year 545, after the death of her husband, Koupaïa, along with her son Tugdual and daughter Sève, returned to Amorica, which is present-day Brittany. Here, Tugdual would go on to found the monastery of Tréguier, while Koupaïa chose to live a life of solitude and devotion. Koupaïa settled as a prayerful hermitess, dedicating her remaining days to prayer and contemplation near the monastery her son had founded. The church of Langoat, France, stands today on the site where her humble home once stood. It serves as a remembrance of her holy life and continuous intercession in the spiritual life of the region. Saint Koupaïa passed away around the year 545, having lived a life dedicated to faith and service. She died of natural causes and was interred in the church of Saint Pompey in Langoat, France. Recognizing her remarkable holiness, she was canonized by the Church, being venerated as a saint even before the official establishment of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. While specific attributes or patronages are not traditionally associated with Saint Koupaïa, her feast day is celebrated on January 2nd. Some calendars also commemorate her on July 26th, and in the diocese of Saint-Brieuc, France, her feast is observed on the last Sunday of July in Tréguier, Saint Pompée, and Langoat. These celebrations serve as an opportunity for the faithful to honor her memory and seek her intercession.