St. Withburga

St. Withburga was an Anglo-Saxon princess and nun who founded a monastery at Dereham, England, in the 7th century. She lived a life of prayer and asceticism, dedicated to serving God. After her death, her body was reportedly found incorrupt, and her relics were later transferred to Ely. Her legend includes a miraculous well that sprang forth at her tomb. She is honored on March 17.

St. Withburga was a 7th-century Anglo-Saxon princess and the youngest daughter of King Anna of East Anglia, who was known for his piety and whose family produced several saints, including her sisters, St. Ethelreda, St. Sexburga, and St. Ethelburga. Raised in a royal court deeply influenced by Christian faith, Withburga developed a strong desire to dedicate her life to God from an early age.

Withburga chose to live as a nun and founded a monastery at Dereham in Norfolk. She settled there with a small community of women and dedicated herself to prayer, penance, and the monastic life. According to tradition, while the monastery was being established, Withburga and her companions suffered from a lack of food. One night, the Virgin Mary appeared to her in a vision, promising divine help. The next morning, two wild deer came to the nuns' settlement and allowed themselves to be milked, providing sustenance for the community. This miracle was seen as a sign of divine favor and further encouraged Withburga and her sisters in their holy work.

She spent her life in humility and devotion, living an austere existence and fostering a spiritual atmosphere within the community. Withburga’s influence extended beyond her monastery, as people from surrounding areas sought her guidance and prayers. She was regarded as a model of Christian virtue, inspiring many to embrace a deeper spiritual life.

After her death around 743, Withburga was buried at Dereham. Years later, when her tomb was opened, her body was found incorrupt, a sign of holiness in medieval Christian belief. Her resting place became a pilgrimage site, attracting many visitors who sought her intercession. A well, known as "Withburga’s Well," was said to have miraculously sprung up at the site of her original grave, and its water was believed to have healing properties.

However, in the late 10th century, the monks of Ely, where Withburga’s sister St. Ethelreda was also buried, sought to transfer her relics to their abbey. The story goes that the monks stole her remains from Dereham under the cover of night and brought them to Ely, where they were enshrined alongside her sisters. This act, though controversial, ensured Withburga's veneration continued at Ely, which became one of the most important monastic centers in medieval England.

St. Withburga’s legacy as a holy woman and monastic founder continued for centuries. The well at Dereham remained a place of pilgrimage, and her story was recorded by medieval chroniclers as part of the rich history of East Anglian Christianity. Although her monastery at Dereham no longer exists, her name is still remembered, and she is honored as one of England’s early female saints.

Her feast day is celebrated on March 17, and she remains a symbol of faith, monastic devotion, and divine providence. Her story, marked by miracles and unwavering commitment to God, continues to inspire those who seek to live a life of prayer and service.

Feast Day

17-3-

Birth Date

--7th century

Died Date

--c. 743

Canonised Date

--

Ely Cathedral, England (originally at Dereham, later moved to Ely)

Saint Withburga, devoted servant of God, Guide us with your wisdom and gentle strength. Help us to live with faith, humility, and love, And intercede for us, that we may grow in holiness. Through your example, inspire us to trust in God's plan. Pray for us, that we may find peace and joy in His presence. Amen.
ST. WITHBURGA

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ST. WITHBURGA

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