a year of prayer: 365 Rosaries

Today, July 10, we celebrate the feasts of two saints with the same name—holy women who lived a century apart, but who are frequently confused. The details of the lives of Saint Amalburga of Temse and Saint Amalburga of Maubeuge have been mostly lost to history, but the sanctity, miracles, and good works of these saints live on in holy legend.


Saint Amalburga of Temse (also known as Saint Amelia) is a Belgian saint who lived in the eighth century. She was likely a romantic acquaintance of Charlemagne, who fell in love with her grace and beauty and pursued her for seven years. During that time, she continuously refused to marry him, due to her desire and calling to enter a religious life. On one occasion during which he attempted to persuade her physically to marry him, Saint Amalburga threw herself at the foot of the church alter, where she was unable to be moved from by divine and miraculous intervention. Charlemagne tried so strenuously to pull her from her position that he broke her arm, later miraculously cured. Soon thereafter, he fell ill, and only after repenting and giving up his pursuit of Amalburga was he cured of his illness.

Additional miracles attributed to Saint Amalburga include communion with fish, especially a giant sturgeon on which she is reputed to have once crossed the Escant River. In memory of this event, local fishermen continue to offer sturgeon in the chapel of Saint Amalburga on her feast day each year. It is said that no sturgeon are even seen in the waters of the Escant, except on July 10, when one always presents itself. Similarly, sturgeon were reported to have been observed escorting her funeral barge up the river, following her death. And while she lived, Amalburga is said to have fed the masses during famine with the flesh of large fish which appeared opportunely in the river.

Saint Amalburga is also said to have created miraculous springs in the fields, during time of drought, and healed many sick. A small chapel remains in her name, where miraculous cures have been reported. Her relics have resided in Saint Peter's abbey church in Ghent, Belgium since 1073. Saint Amalburga of Temse is the patron of farmers, fishermen, young people struggling to stay faithful to Christ, and those with fevers, bruises and arm pain.



Saint Amalburga of Maubeuge was a Lotharingian (short-lived Western European kingdom, where the modern-day Netherlands now stand) saint who lived in the seventh century. She was born of royalty, and unlike the virginal Amalburga of Temse, married the Duke of Lotharingia. Together, the two holy parents produced four children, each of whom, under her instruction, were later canonized saints for their piety, holy works, and faith.

As she aged, Amalburga felt called more and more to religious life of a nun, and her husband to that of a monk. They eventually parted ways, both joining separate religious orders. Amalburga entered the monastic community at Maubeuge Abbey—a Benedictine cloister. There, she lived out her life in prayer, contemplation, and silence, committing herself to the Lord. Her relics are housed in the Belgian city of Binche.


At first glance, the lives of these two holy women are quite different. Yet we celebrate their feast days on the same day of the year, and in doing so find the similarities between them. Saint Amalburga of Temse wrought miracles for the poor, and committed herself wholeheartedly to the Lord. Saint Amalburga of Maubeuge raised a devout and pious family, and also listened intently to the will of the Lord, committing herself to Him. One life appears flashy and filled with miracles, whereas the other seems quiet and contemplative, filled with the daily activities of a wife and mother. And yet, both women are remembered for their holiness and contributions to the Church. We are reminded that each of our lives are special and beautiful to the Lord—that we are called to play roles in the lives of others and the life of the Church based upon the special talents and gifts that have been bestowed upon us. Just as Saint Amalburga of Temse could not have filled the role of Saint Amalburga of Maubeuge, nor should we live a life other than that desired for us by the Lord. When we listen for His Will, we can accomplish miraculous things!


Year 2: Day 191 of 365
Prayer Intentions: Comfort in our suffering; Union with Christ.
Requested Intentions: For a daughter’s successful examination results (A); Occupational success, health and safety of family (S); Reduction in anxiety for husband, financial freedom (S); Healing for a sister-in-law (J); For a family experiencing a difficult child custody case (M); Reunification of a family struggling with separation (M): For a son struggling with mental illness (M); Successful examination results (B); To be freed from the chains of sin (J); Admission to a good university (M); For successful surgery (T); For a mother’s mental health and for kindness and forgiveness, for housing problems, for dental health (T); For the soul of a departed friend (X); Restoration of health (D); Successful employment for couple (N); For employment for children (K); For health of friend, for successful relationships for children, for safe pregnancy for daughter (C); For the health of a mother (J); Virtue for daughter (V); Successful acceptance to college for nephew (M); For the health of a cousin (T); Freedom from legal difficulties for husband (S); Husband’s freedom from illness (L).