October 16: Saint Hedwig / Santa Eduviges

Did you know that the fictional Harry Potter’s snowy owl was named Hedwig?

The Saint celebrated by the Church today, St. Hedwig of Silesia, was not an owl! But she deserves our attention today and we would do well to pray for her good and generous intercession.

Saint Hedwig was a princess, a wife, a mother, and “a builder of bridges” between the German and Polish people. She lived in the 13th century and received a good education in her youth at a convent in Bavaria. She is recorded to have said that “knowledge plus holiness of life leads to greater glory for souls in heaven.” St. Hedwig became known as “a helper of the poor.” She loved the Eucharist, prayer, and reading and meditating on Scripture. In her own household she had Scripture read aloud during meal times.

Despite her wealth and her position, St. Hedwig lived simply: she fasted, ate plain food, and lived with few personal possessions. After her children were grown, she devoted herself all the more to the spiritual and corporal works of mercy, especially helping the sick, hungry, widows, orphans, and expectant mothers.

Unlike other princesses of the time, St. Hedwig helped people with her own hands, and not through her servants. She also gave shelter to sick and disabled people in her castle. She would visit and take food and other items to the imprisoned and send money to people who could not repay their debts. She frequently used her royal position and influence to defend and intervene on behalf of prisoners.

In a way, it is sad that St. Hedwig is not better known ... her remarkable life is inspiring

For more on St. Hedwig: https://www.nationalshrine.org/blog/saint-hedwig-mother-of-the-poor/

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La Iglesia celebra hoy el día festivo de Santa Eduviges. Ella, princesa y madre de familia, practicó la caridad con espíritu contrito: acostumbraba a ir a la iglesia para asistir a Misa descalza, sin importar que fuese invierno. En el silencio, ella fue formando un corazón penitente, cada vez más cerca al de Jesús, discreto y humilde.  Toda su vida, tenía el propósito de administrar sus bienes con espíritu de caridad y disponer de estos en favor de los más necesitados, especialmente los pobres, los enfermos, los prisioneros, y madres jóvenes.

Para leer más: https://www.ewtn.com/es/catolicismo/santos/eduvigis-14841