Saint Mary Ann De Paredes

Biography

Saint Gudule of Brussels, also known as Ergoule, Goedele, Goelen, Gould, Goule, and Gudula, was born around 650 in Hamme, Brabant, which is now modern-day Belgium. She was the daughter of Count Witger and Saint Amalburga, and she came from a noble lineage as the great-niece of Emperor Pepin. Saint Gudule had several siblings, including her sister Saint Pharaildis of Ghent, Saint Reineldis, and Saint Emebert of Cambrai. It is worth noting that she was also the niece and student of Saint Gertrude of Nivelle, who played a significant role in her religious training. After receiving religious education from Saint Gertrude, Saint Gudule returned to live with her family at the castle in Hamme. She devoted herself to a pious and prayerful life, finding solace and spiritual fulfillment in her visits to the church in Moorsel, Belgium. During these early morning visits, a peculiar miracle occurred. The devil attempted to extinguish her candle, but it would always miraculously re-ignite. This event became associated with the flower known as tremella deliquescens, which bears fruit in early January. It became popularly known as "Sinte Goulds lampken" or "Saint Gudula's lantern" because not even the harsh winter could extinguish its flame-like blossoms. Saint Gudule is often depicted in art holding a candle, lamp, lantern, or torch, with a demon or a bellows nearby symbolizing the devil's attempts to blow out the flame of her devotion. Saint Gudule passed away peacefully on January 8, 712, in her hometown of Hamme, Brabant, Belgium, succumbing to natural causes. She was buried in front of the church door in Hamme. Later, in 978, her relics were translated to the church of Saint Gery in Brussels. In 1047, they were further moved to the collegiate church of Saint Michel, which later came to be known as Sainte Gudule, also located in Brussels. Unfortunately, during the religious conflicts of the time, Calvinists destroyed her relics on June 6, 1579. Saint Gudule is considered a patron saint of Brussels, Belgium, and also of single laywomen. Her exemplary life of prayer and devotion serves as an inspiration to all those seeking a deeper spiritual life. Although her relics have been lost, her memory and the legacy of her faith continue to live on in the hearts and minds of the faithful.