Saint of the Day – 7 July – Saint Ethelburga of Faremoutier (Died 664) Virgin, Abbess

Saint of the Day – 7 July – Saint Ethelburga of Faremoutier (Died 664) Virgin, Abbess, Princess Born in the Kingdom of East Anglia and died in 664 at Faremoutier, France of natural causes. When her body was exhumed seven years after her death, it was found incorrupt. Also known as – Aubierge, Cdilburh, Edelburga, Edilberga, Edilburga, Etelburg.

Ethelburga was one of the daughters of King Anna of East Anglia. Her sisters were St Withburga, St Saethryth, who was Abbess of Faremoutiers Abbey in Brie, France, St Seaxburh and St Æthelthryth who wereboth Abbesses of Ely, Cambridge, England.

During her childhood, Ethelburga lived in a French Convent under the direction of Saint Burgundofara, a home she would have for the rest of her life. St Burgundofara’s life here – https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/07/saint-of-the-day-7-december-st-burgundofara-c-595-c-643-virgin/

She was known throughout the community for her adherence to the Rule of the Order. In the mid-seventh Century, Ethelburga was chosento be the Abbess. She ruled with wisdom and justice until her death.

As Abbess, Ethelburga began work on a Church in honour of the Twelve Apostles which was left unfinished at her death in 664. At her request, she was buried in the Church. After seven years a decision was made to move her Relics to the nearby Church of Saint Stephen and her body was found to be incorrupt.