A Dictionary of Saintly Women/Adeltrude (2)

by Agnes B. C. Dunbar

St. Adeltrude (2), March 19 (Adeltrudis, Angletrude), V. 7th century. Daughter of Allowin, afterwards St. Bavo, patron of Ghent. Niece of St. Adilia. Adeltrude showed very early signs of piety. An angel foretold that she should never have any children, but should bring forth many good works. Her father was a worldly and dissipated man, until he was converted by the preaching of St. Amandus. He then betook himself to a life of solitude and penance, and eventually gave his estate to Amandus, to found a monastery and church, which, in 1559, became the cathedral of St Bavon, of Ghent. Bavo died about 657. Boll., AA.SS., Mar. 19, "Lives of St. Bavo and St. Landoald." Butler, Lives. Baillet, Vies. Wion, Lignum Vitæ. Le Glay, Gaule Belgique.