Saints and Blesseds

Blessed Gertrude of Altenberg, Martyr

August 13

Gertrude was born on September 29, 1227. She was the youngest of the three children of St. Elizabeth of Hungary. Even before she was born, her parents promised to offer the child to the service of God. At about the age of one she was brought to the Norbertine sisters of Altenberg to fulfill this promise. Perhaps her saintly mother foresaw her own imminent death and knew that the sisters would be good mothers to her orphaned child. At any rate, when Elizabeth did die just a few years later in 1231 at Marburg, she is said to have appeared in Gertrude's room at Altenberg, radiant and smiling. When Gertrude was old enough, she joined the community for life. So extraordinary were her gifts and virtues that she was chosen abbess of the convent at age 21. Under her guidance and direction many women among the nobility left the world to join the flourishing community at Altenberg. Gertrude built the abbey church in honor of the Blessed Virgin and St. Michael. She also oversaw the construction of a hospital and guesthouse adjacent to the abbey, taking real pleasure in her service to the poor and in the performance of the most menial tasks. Once when she had scrubbed and washed a veil, the rays of the sun were said to hold it aloft until it was dry, thereby showing heaven's approval of her devotion to the lowliest tasks. Gertrude had a special gift for reconciling enemies. She was also known for her austere penances. During the time of Lent she slept on straw, and during Holy Week on the bare floor. She was also said to have the gift of prophesy. When Pope Urban IV called for a new Crusade, Gertrude received his permission for her sisters to bear the Crusader's cross and join in the Crusade through prayers and works of penance. When the same pope introduced the solemnity of Corpus Christi, Gertrude was among the first and most ardent promoters of the feast, which, beginning in 1270, was celebrated at Altenberg with the highest possible solemnity. After 49 years as abbess of Altenberg, Gertrude died at the age of seventy on August 13, 1297. She is portrayed with the crown of nobility, the pectoral cross of an abbess, and a monstrance recalling her devotion to the feast of Corpus Christi.

PRAYER

Lord God, almighty Father, you called the virgin Gertrude to a life of prayer and contemplation in the silence of the cloister. Through the intercession of the blessed abbess Gertrude, grant that many generous young men and women of our day may hear and answer your call to religious life. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, the Lord, AMEN.

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Reprinted with permission of St. Michael's Abbey, Orange, California, U.S.A.