Duchess of Charity

The feast of the Bavarian duchess St. Hedwig is celebrated on October 16, the feast day of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque.

Hedwig was born in 1174, the daughter of a German count. She was the aunt of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, a Hungarian princess whose feast day is November 17. Hedwig was married at an early age to Henry, Duke of Silesia. Hedwig was known for her many charitable activities. Henry was a religious man who encouraged her works of charity. Through their efforts, monastic institutions for both men and women were established, along with hospitals and homes for the poor.

Hedwig and Henry had six children. After Henry died in 1238, Hedwig went to the convent of Trebnitz (where her daughter Gertrude was already abbess) to reside, and she became part of the community there.

Hedwig never became a nun — to do so would have required relinquishing the family estate. Hedwig preferred to retain control of the estate, to ensure that her family’s wealth would be used for the ongoing care of the poor and needy whom she so loved.

St. Hedwig died at the convent of Trebnitz in 1243, and was canonized in 1267.

Other Saints We Remember Today

St. Wilfrid (709), Bishop of York

Our Lady of the Pillar (36)