Saint Ermelinde (born c. 546 in Lovenjoel, died 594 in Meldert, Hoegaarden), is a Brabant Saint of the 6th century. Her feast day is October 29.
Overview
Saint Ermelinde (born c. 546 in Lovenjoel, died 594 in Meldert, Hoegaarden), is a Brabant Saint of the 6th century. Her feast day is October 29.
Life
Her parents, Ermeonoldo and Armensinda, were rich chatelains related to the Pippinids. They wanted her to marry, but she refused. Ermelinde "...cut off her hair in order to dissuade her parents from pushing her into an unwanted marriage contract". They permitted her to follow her vocation and gave her a little land. She spread her charity to the poor and lived as a hermit in a forested area, probably around Beauvechain.
Attending church at night, she had to resist the seductions of two brothers, the local lords, who being refused planned to abduct her. They agreed to take her during night prayers. Warned by an angel, Ermelinda managed to escape and left for Meldert, where she set up a hermitage and spent the rest of her life in prayer.
Veneration
