Feast of Santa Gertrude di Nivelles

Santa Gertrude di Nivelles, ora pro nobis

March 17th is the Feast of St. Gertrude of Nivelles, Abbess, Ascetic, and Foundress. Born in Nivelles, Brabant, in 626, St. Gertrude was the daughter of Blessed Pepin I of Landen and St. Itta of Metz. Her older sister St. Begga was an ancestor of Charles Martel and Emperor Charlemagne.

When her father died in 639, her mother founded a Benedictine double monastery for men and women at Nivelles and appointed St. Gertrude as the first abbess. Primarily focused on instructing the monks and nuns in Holy Scripture, she also used her family’s wealth to build several churches, monasteries and hospices.

Enfeebled by her severe penances and self-deprivation, she resigned her office and appointed her niece St. Vulfetrude as her successor. She was revered as a saint immediately following her death in 659.

Patron saint of sailors and travelers, St. Gertrude is invoked against fever, plague, rats and mice. Her patronage of cats appears to be a recent attribute—possibly associated with her protection against rodents. Her patronage of sailors and travelers stems from her miraculous intercession at sea, famously protecting a ship under attack by a giant sea monster.

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Gertrude of Nivelles. The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The holy card is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts. Evviva Santa Gertrude di Nivelles!

Prayer to St. Gertrude of Nivelles

Dear St. Gertrude, you have long been venerated as a patron against rats and mice. Please intercede for us, we pray, and ask God to rid our home of all mice. We ask for your prayers as we work to reclaim our home as ours alone, free from mice and any other pests. Amen