Saint Wandru

The saint of the day is St. Wandru, who was born in Belgium in the seventh century. Also known as Waltrude or Waldetrudis, she was the daughter of Saints Walbert and Bertilia and sister of St. Aldegunus of Maubeuge.

Marrying St. Vincent Madelgarius, she became the mother of four children, who were all saints: Landericus, Madalberta, Adeltrudis, and Dentelin.

Later in life, when her husband chose to become a  monk about 643 in the monastery of Hautrnont, France, he had founded, she established a convent at Chateaulieu, around which grew up the town of Mons, Belgium.

St. Wandru died around 688 and was canonized in the eleventh century. She is the patroness of the city of Mons and is best known for her miraculous powers of healing. She is venerated for her power to abate epidemics or plagues, assist with childbirth, and alleviate female diseases.

In art, Saint Waudru is depicted protecting her children under her mantle, offering her husband a crucifix, and refusing a crown of roses.