St. Hedwig
Feast 10-16 · Canonized 1267
Patron of
About
Hedwig was born in 1174 in Bavaria, the daughter of a count. At the age of twelve she married Henry I, Duke of Silesia, and together they raised seven children and ruled their duchy with justice and generosity.
Hedwig was known for her deep piety and her care for the poor. She founded hospitals, monasteries, and convents, and after her husband's death she lived in the Cistercian convent at Trebnitz, which she had established. She walked barefoot even in winter and gave away her wealth to those in need.
She died on October 15, 1243, and was canonized in 1267. She is venerated as the patron saint of brides.
Suggested prayer
O God, who gave St. Hedwig the humility to walk barefoot in winter and to give away her wealth to the poor, grant through her intercession that brides and all who seek holiness in married life may serve Christ in their households. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
