Saint Erentrude – First Abbess of Nonnberg and Healer of Salzburg

ST. ERENTRUDE

Saint Erentrude, niece of Saint Rupert of Salzburg, was the first abbess of Nonnberg Abbey in Austria. Born in the late 7th century, she led the community in service to the poor and sick, balancing prayerful seclusion with active charity. She died on June 30, 718, and is venerated for her healing intercessions.

Saint Erentrude, also known by the variants Ehrentrudis, Erentrudis, or Ermentrude, was a noblewoman of Franconian-Merovingian lineage who became deeply involved in the Christian mission in the early 8th century. Likely born in the late 600s, she was the niece (or possibly sister) of Saint Rupert of Salzburg. After accompanying Bishop Rupert from Worms to the area that would become Salzburg, she became a founding figure in the region’s spiritual life. Around the year 700, Rupert established the Benedictine women's convent on Nonnberg Hill, placing Erentrude as its first abbess. There, she and her fellow nuns devoted themselves to communal prayer, manual labor, and caring for the poor, the sick, and orphaned children . Erentrude’s abbacy was marked by a compassionate balance between cloistered devotion and active ministry—she and her community routinely ministered to those in need beyond their walls . Contemporary accounts note her special care for children and the ill, confirming her deep love and pastoral concern .

In early 718, upon entering her years of declining health, Erentrude received a vision of her uncle Rupert instructing her to come to him in death. Following Rupert’s passing in March of that year, she died on June 30, 718. She was interred in a simple, unadorned grave among the rocks beneath the convent .Over time, her relics became a focus of veneration. In the 11th century, Emperor Henry II rebuilt Nonnberg Abbey as a token of gratitude for being cured of leprosy through her intercession. Her remains were ceremoniously moved into a silver reliquary beneath the altar on September 4, 1624—a date once commemorated liturgically until Vatican II .Numerous miracles followed her death, including reports of healing lepers, curing the blind, and even the story of an abbess who stole a relic and was struck blind until repentance . In 2006, her image was featured on a commemorative Austrian coin honoring Nonnberg Abbey, and later appeared on a postage stamp Saint Erentrude is honored in both the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches, her feast observed on June 30. She remains a secondary patroness of Salzburg, and her crypt endures as a place of pilgrimage and devotion .

Feast Day

30-6-

Birth Date

--

Died Date

--718 AD

Canonised Date

--Pre‑congregation

In the rocky crypt at Nonnberg Abbey, Salzburg, Austria

O blessed Saint Erentrude, gentle abbess and guide of souls at Nonnberg, you who served the poor and sick in humility and charity, obtain for us the same spirit of compassion and dedication. Pray for us, that in our work we may seek nothing else but the will of God. Amen.
ST. ERENTRUDE

Video Not Found

ST. ERENTRUDE

The information on this website is compiled from various trusted sources. While we aim for accuracy, some details may be incomplete or contain discrepancies.

If you notice any errors or have additional information about this saint, please use the form on the left to share your suggestions. Your input helps us improve and maintain reliable content for everyone.

All submissions are reviewed carefully, and your personal details will remain confidential. Thank you for contributing to the accuracy and value of this resource.

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

We sincerely thank these authors and platforms for their valuable contributions. If we have unintentionally missed any attribution, please notify us, and we will make the correction promptly.