Saint Radegunde

Saint Radegunde, also known as Radegonda, Radegund, Rhadegund, Radegonde, Radigund, and Radegundes, was a remarkable figure in Catholic history. Born in 518 in Erfurt, Saxony, she was the daughter of King Berthachar, a pagan ruler of Thuringia. At the age of 12, Radegunde's life took a significant turn when her father's army was defeated by Clotaire I, the Frankish king. As a result, Radegunde was given as a hostage to Clotaire. During her captivity, Radegunde experienced a profound conversion to Christianity. Her newfound faith became the anchor that would sustain her through the challenges she would later face. In 540, Radegunde was forced into an unwanted marriage with Clotaire, who treated her cruelly, particularly for her inability to bear children. Despite the mistreatment she endured, Radegunde's faith remained unshaken. In 555, she made the courageous decision to leave her husband and seek refuge in the care of Saint Medard, who guided her in taking the veil. Radegunde became a deaconess at Noyon, France, and her commitment to her Christian vocation deepened. Inspired by her faith and longing for a life of greater dedication to God, Radegunde founded the convent of the Holy Cross in Poitiers, France. Within the chapel of the convent, she secured a piece of the True Cross, among other sacred relics. The house followed the Rule of Saint Caesarius of Arles, and Radegunde resided there for the remaining 30 years of her life. Under her leadership, the convent became a center of scholarship and spiritual formation. Throughout her life, Radegunde sought wisdom and guidance from esteemed spiritual figures of her time. She was a spiritual student of Saint John of Chinon, and her friendship with Saint Fortunatus, who composed the hymn Vexilla Regis in her honor, is well-documented. Radegunde actively engaged in both ecclesiastical and civil affairs, earning a reputation as a peacemaker in her efforts to maintain harmony. Notably, Jesus College in Cambridge was initially dedicated to Saint Radegunde, testament to the profound impact she had within the Church. Saint Radegunde passed away on 13 August 587 in Poitiers, France, from natural causes. However, the legacy of her relics was tragically disrupted when they were burned by Calvinists in 1562. Despite this act of destruction, Radegunde's influence as a spiritual guide and intercessor remains significant. For her unwavering commitment to her faith, her founding of the Holy Cross convent, and her active involvement in the Church and civil politics, Saint Radegunde has been venerated as a saint. Although her canonization occurred before the formal process was established, her status as a saint is recognized by the faithful. Today, Saint Radegunde is regarded as the patron saint against drowning, fever, leprosy, scabies, scabs, the death of parents, ulcers, difficult marriages, potters, and weavers. She is also the patron saint of Poitiers, France, the city where she established her influential convent.