Amalberga of Temse (c. 741 – 10 July 772) was a Lotharingian noblewoman from the Frankish royal house of the Pippinids who is celebrated as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church. She is especially venerated in Temse, Ghent, Munsterbilzen and other parts of Flanders. She received the veil from Saint Willibrord of Echternach.

Cult

Many miracles, such as crossing the river Scheldt on a giant fish are attributed to her. In heraldry and art this is a sturgeon. Her relics are kept inside the church of Temse.

Amalberga of Temse

Her vita is connected to Charlemagne, whom her biographer (Goscelin of St. Bertin) said wanted to marry her, although other sources claim that the Charles in question was Charles Martel. When she refused in order to continue her vocation as a virgin, he tried to move her by force; he broke her arm, but was unable to carry her off. He fell ill because of his actions, but she forgave him and prayed to God to heal him.

Amalberga of Temse

Her feast day is July 10 or October 27.

Amalberga of Temse

Feast days

20 February - translation of relics

1 May - translation of relics to St Peter's Abbey (Blandinium) 20 May - translation of relics 10 July - main commemoration 14 October - translation of relics 27 October - translation of relics to Gent

Source:

See also

Amelberga of Susteren

Amalberga of Maubeuge

References

740s births

772 deaths

8th-century Frankish saints

Pippinids

Belgian Roman Catholic saints

8th-century Frankish women

8th-century Frankish nobility

Christian female saints of the Middle Ages

People from Bilzen

People from Temse