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Feast Day: October 14
Saint Manehildis, also known as Manechildis, Ménéhould, Manechilde, and Manequilde, was born in Perthois, France, around the year 490. She was the youngest of seven sisters, all of whom are honored as saints in parts of Champagne, France. Manehildis' life was marked by her deep devotion to God and her desire for a life of solitude and prayer. Inspired by the example of her sisters, who were already living as hermitesses, Manehildis joined them in their pursuit of a life dedicated to God. She embraced the eremitic lifestyle, seeking to detach herself from the distractions of the world and focus solely on her relationship with God. Manehildis felt a strong calling to consecrate her life to God and become a nun. She received the veil from Saint Alpinus, a revered saint and bishop in the region. As a nun, Manehildis devoted herself to the contemplative life, spending her time in prayer, meditation, and acts of penance. Although there is no specific representation of Saint Manehildis, her life was a testament to her commitment to a life of holiness and self-denial. She sought to imitate Christ through her ascetic practices and devotion to prayer. Saint Manehildis lived during a time of great societal turmoil and unrest. France, in particular, faced numerous invasions and conflicts. Despite the challenges of her time, Manehildis remained steadfast in her faith and devoted to her calling as a hermitess and nun. After a life dedicated to prayer and contemplation, Saint Manehildis passed away around the year 490. Her exemplary life of holiness and devotion to God merited her canonization as a saint, although the exact date and process of her canonization in the Pre-Congregation era are not well-documented. Today, Saint Manehildis is recognized as the patron saint of Sainte-Ménéhould, a town in the Champagne region of France. The people of this region honor her memory and seek her intercession in times of need. Saint Manehildis serves as an inspiring example of the power of a life devoted to prayer, solitude, and self-discipline. Her commitment to the eremitic lifestyle and her unwavering faith continue to inspire and guide countless individuals seeking a deeper relationship with God.