St. Ava

St. Ava was a blind Belgian princess who became a Benedictine nun and abbess after miraculously regaining her sight through the intercession of St. Rainfredis.

St. Ava was born around the year 845 AD, the daughter of Pepin II of Aquitaine, which made her a royal by birth. Her early life was marked by privilege and nobility, yet also by suffering—she was born blind or lost her sight at a young age. In a society where physical disability often led to exclusion, Ava faced significant challenges, but her faith sustained her. Tradition holds that she received a miraculous healing through the prayers of St. Rainfredis, a Belgian holy woman of the same era.

This powerful healing encounter marked a turning point in her life. Moved by gratitude and a profound spiritual awakening, Ava chose to abandon her royal privileges and dedicate herself entirely to God. She entered the Benedictine monastery at Dinant in what is now Belgium. There, she embraced the monastic life with fervor, becoming known for her piety, humility, and deep commitment to prayer and community service.

Eventually, Ava was appointed abbess of the monastery, a role in which she served with wisdom and grace. Her leadership strengthened the spiritual and communal life of the convent, and she became a model of holiness to those under her care. Despite her noble origins, she lived with profound simplicity and detachment from worldly honors, dedicating herself to the spiritual formation of the sisters and the care of the poor.

St. Ava died around the year 890 AD. Though not widely known outside Belgium, she remains a powerful example of humility, healing, and the call to forsake worldly status for the sake of the Kingdom of God.

Feast Day

29-4-

Birth Date

--845

Died Date

--890

Canonised Date

--N/A

Belgium

St. Ava, blessed daughter of royal blood, you saw more clearly with the eyes of faith than many with perfect sight. Through your healing and holy leadership, you revealed the mercy of God. Intercede for us, that we may see God’s will in our lives and respond with courage and love. Amen.
ST. AVA

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ST. AVA

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Credits & Acknowledgments

Anudina Visudhar (Malayalam) – Life of Saints for Everyday
by Msgr. Thomas Moothedan, M.A., D.D.
Saint Companions for Each Day
by A. J. M. Mausolfe & J. K. Mausolfe
US Catholic (Faith in Real Life) – Informational articles
Wikipedia – General reference content and images
Anastpaul.com – Saint images and reflections
Pravachaka Sabdam (Malayalam) – Saint-related content and insights

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