A Dictionary of Saintly Women/Adelaide (10)
St. Adelaide (10), June 11, 15 (Aleth, Alix, Alizette, Alizon, etc.), 1250. At the age of 11, Adelaide of Scarbek, or Scharembeka, went into the Cistercian convent of La Cambre (Camera S. Mariæ), near Brussels. She was soon the best scholar among the children, and continued to be distinguished more and more, for all good qualities, for several years. One day, when they were all singing in the choir, the candle fell out of its stand, which was a sort of lantern, called absconsa, in use in convents. Adelaide took it in her hand, and it lighted again of itself. In order that she might have no regard for anything earthly, God afflicted her with leprosy; and in consequence, she was separated from all her sister nuns, which was a great trial. A little building was erected for her. She was received there by her heavenly Spouse, who promised to remain with her as long as she lived. One night a pious woman saw Adelaide's dwelling brilliantly lighted up, and going nearer, saw the saint as if she were made of flame. Once when she was very ill, it was revealed to her that she should live a whole year longer and suffer much, and that her torments should avail for the living and for the dead; therefore, when she lost her right eye, she offered that for the salvation of William, count of Holland, who had just been elected king of the Romans, 1247; and when she lost her left eye, she assigned the fruit of that penance to St. Louis, king of France (IX. of his name), who was then in Palestine with the crusading army. Although herself a leper, she had the privilege of curing other lepers by her touch. A golden cross was sent to her from heaven. On St. Ursula's day, she heard the nuns singing Matins, and prayed that, although excluded from the choir on earth, she might be associated with the sainted virgins in heaven; she was answered that she should be placed not only with the companions of St. Ursula, but in a higher rank. She died 1250, and her spirit was seen to be received by Christ and the angels. Henschenius, in AA.SS. Boll., from a Cistercian writer of the 13th century, June 11. Bucolinus. Men. Ben., June 11. A.R.M. Cist., June 15.