July 2: Saint Monegundis

Today, July 2, we celebrate the feast day of Saint Monegundis (died 650), Hermitess, Holy woman, and foundress of the convent of Saint Pierre-le-Puellier. Saint Monegundis lived a righteous and pious life, and only through tragedy and depression was called to more fully serve the Lord.


Monegundis was born in Chartres (northern France, near Paris), and lived a honorable life in the eyes of both the world and the Lord. She married, and together with her husband, was blessed with two beautiful daughter. Sadly, both daughters passed away before they reached adulthood, and Monegundis was deeply grieved. For many years, she struggled with a deep depression, which impacted her relationships with her husband, her family, and all her friends.

Over time, Monegundis came to understand her depression as a trial, given by the Lord, and with prayer and contemplation, came to find the healing grace of God. Monegundis came to realize that her depression was somewhat selfish, and even insulting to the Lord, as through her sadness and moaning she was doubting the wisdom and love of the gracious Father who had taken her daughters to be with Him in Heaven.

With this knowledge came full repentance, and with her husband’s permission, she took up residence in a small cell near a Church in Chartres, where she lived in total prayer and penance. After a few years, she moved to Tours, where she again lived as a hermitess, this time close to the tomb of Saint Martin of Tours. Her reputation for gentleness, holiness, and piety began attracting followers, and before long she had become the spiritual mother and advisor to a large group of women.

Based upon her followers, Monegundis established a convent, and eventually wrote a monastic rule, establishing the convent dedicated to Saint Pierre-le-Puellier. Following the establishment of the convent, she peacefully died. Numerous miracles were reported at her tomb.

Today, we pray for the wisdom and strength to convert those tragedies that we experience into opportunities for service to the Lord and one another. We pray in a special way for those struggling with depression and mental illness, that in the dark places, they may find the space to embrace the healing light of Christ, and come to love both themselves and the Lord in a newfound and profound manner.