Today Christians Celebrate Feast of St. Adelaide, Empress of Dispensing Charity to the Poor

St AdelaideSt. Adelaide (931-999) Image Courtesy: St. Paul Street Evangelization

(CNA) Born a Princess in France Burgundy, Adelaide father was King Rupert II (Rudolf II) according to SQPN — Adelaide was promised in an arranged marriage when she was just two yrs of age to Lothaire the son and heir of his enemy, as part of a treaty between Rupert and Hugh of Provence.

Lothaire was killed while still young — Adelaide was to have a tumultuous life that paralleled the struggle for political power during that time, something which she come to symbolize.

Adelaide being sought after various Kings and Nobles following Lothaire’s death, she was finally married to Otho the Great of Germany according to Catholic Encyclopedia on Christmas Day 951

When Adelaide and Otho’s son, the Emperor Otho II died, his son Otho III only child at the time became Emperor — In 991 Adelaide was invested as the Regent of the Empire and she used her authority and influence to increase evangelization efforts especially throughout Northern Europe, building many Monasteries, Churches and providing much aid to the poor.

Adelaide died on this date in 999 at the Monastery of France Seltz Alsace, she was Canonized in 1097 by Pope Urban II

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