No image available
Feast Day: October 4
Saint Adela of Pfalzel, also known as Addula, Athela, Adolena, Adula, and Adolana, was born as the daughter of Saint Dagobert II, the King of the Franks, and the Anglo-Saxon princess Matilda. She was the sister of Saint Irmina of Oehren and the granddaughter of Saint Sigebert III, the King of Austrasia. Adela was born into a life of privilege and wealth, but she never let these worldly temptations sway her from her deep spiritual calling. When she reached a marriageable age, Adela was wed to a man named Alberic, and together they had a son. However, tragedy struck when Alberic passed away in the year 700, leaving Adela widowed at a young age. Despite her young age and her many suitors vying for her hand in marriage, Adela had made a firm decision to dedicate her life to God. She turned down all offers of marriage and decided to embrace the religious life as a nun. With her spiritual mentor and teacher, Saint Boniface, by her side, Adela founded the convent of Palatiolum of Pfalzel near Trier, Germany. She served as the first abbess of this new foundation, providing guidance, leadership, and a strong spiritual presence to the community of nuns that gathered around her. Saint Adela was known for her deep devotion to God and her commitment to a life of prayer and penance. She was a shining example of humility, selflessness, and austerity, inspiring those around her with her unwavering faith. Her teachings and examples of living a holy life became a guiding force for the nuns under her care. On the day of her death, December 24, 735, Saint Adela peacefully passed away due to natural causes. She was buried in the church of the convent at Pfalzel, a place where her legacy continued to thrive. In 1072, her relics were enshrined, ensuring that veneration of the saint would continue for generations to come. Although she was canonized before the formal process of canonization was established, the Church recognizes her as a saint who lived an exemplary life of virtue and holiness. Saint Adela of Pfalzel's feast days are celebrated on December 24 and January 3 in some calendars. Although not associated with any specific patronage, her life serves as an inspiration to those seeking a life of devotion to God, renunciation of worldly desires, and service to others. Through her life and teachings, Saint Adela of Pfalzel continues to be a shining example of faith and devotion, reminding us of the transformative power of a life dedicated to God.