Saint Gudula

Gudula of Brabant, also known as Saint Gudula (ca. 646–712), was a Christian saint who is venerated in Catholic and Orthodox churches. In Brabant, she is usually called Goedele or Goule; (Latin: Gudila, later Gudula; Dutch: Goedele; French: Gudule). Her name is connected to several places: Moorsel (where she lived), Brussels (where a chapter in her honour was founded in 1047) and Eibingen (where the relic of her skull is conserved). Gudula was born around 646 in the pagus of Brabant (in present-day Belgium). According to her 11th-century biography (Vita Gudilae), written by Onulfus of Hautmont, a monk of Hautmont Abbey between 1048 and 1051, she was the daughter of a duke of Lotharingia called Witger and Saint Amalberga. Her mother embraced the religious life in Maubeuge Abbey. Gudula had three sisters, Saint Pharaildis, Saint Reineldis and Saint Ermelinde, and one brother, Saint Emebertus. She received the veil from the hands of Saint Aubert, Bishop of Cambrai (d. about 668). Gudula was educated in Nivelles Abbey by her godmother, Gertrude of Nivelles. When Gertrude died, Gudula moved back to her home at Moorsel, spending her time in good works and religious devotion. She was profuse in her alms for the poor, and frequently visited the church of Moorsel, situated about two miles from her parents' house. Nothing particular is recorded of Gudula beyond the singular holiness of her life. Gudula died between 680 and 714, with the most frequent date mentioned being 712, and was buried at Hamme (East Flanders). Later, her relics were removed to a St. Salvator near Moorsel, where the body was interred behind the altar. During the reign of Charles, Duke of Lower Lorraine (977–992), they were transferred to Saint Gaugericus' chapel in Brussels. Lambert II, Count of Leuven, (d. 1054) founded a chapter in 1047 in honour of Saint Gudula. Bishop Gerardus I of Cambrai (d. 1051) led the translation of her relics to the church of Saint Michael in Brussels.