Saint Berlinda of Meerbeke: Patroness of Trees and Invoked Against Cattle Diseases

ST. BERLINDA

Saint Berlinda of Meerbeke was a 7th-century Benedictine nun and hermitess from Belgium, renowned for her devout life of poverty, charity, and asceticism. Her feast day is observed on February 3.

Saint Berlinda, also known as Berlindis or Bellaude, was born in the Low Countries, now part of Belgium, during the 7th century. She was the daughter of Count Odelard, a nobleman who served Duke Wiger of Lorraine, and his wife Nona. After her mother's death, Berlinda's father contracted leprosy. Fearing that his daughter would abandon him due to his illness, he disinherited her in favor of the monastery of Santa Gertrude de Nivelles. In response, Berlinda entered the Benedictine convent of St. Mary's at Moorsel, near Aalst, dedicating herself to a life of penitence and prayer. Following her father's death, Berlinda returned to Meerbeke, where she established a community of women and continued her ascetic lifestyle. She devoted herself to helping the poor and suffering, living a life marked by austerity and compassion. Miracles were attributed to her intercession, and her tomb became a site of pilgrimage. Her coffin was said to have petrified, and a church was built in her honor. Her relics were enshrined on May 2, 728. She is considered the patroness of trees and is invoked against cattle diseases. She is often depicted with a cow and either a pruning hook or branch. According to tradition, trees transplanted on her feast day are protected. She is especially venerated in agricultural regions, where her intercession is sought for the health of livestock and the fertility of trees

Feast Day

3-2-

Birth Date

--N/A

Died Date

3-2-702 (approximate)

Canonised Date

2-5-728 AD

Sint-Pieter en Sint-Berlindiskerk, Meerbeke, Belgium

O Saint Berlinda, humble servant of God, intercede for us that we may live lives of charity and devotion. Protect our trees and cattle, and grant us the strength to follow your example of faith. Amen.
ST. BERLINDA

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ST. BERLINDA

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Anudina Visudhar (Malayalam) – Life of Saints for Everyday
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