Petronille de Chemillé facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Petronilla of Chemillé
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| Died | 24 April 1149 |
| Nationality | French |
| Occupation | Superior General of the Order of Fontevrault |
| Known for | First abbess of the double monastery of Fontevrault |
Petronilla of Chemillé (died April 24, 1149) was a very important leader in a special kind of monastery in France. She was the first abbess of the double monastery of Fontevrault. This means she was the head nun in charge of both nuns and monks. She led this large community from 1115 until her death in 1149. The Catholic Church honors her as a Venerable person, which is a step towards becoming a saint.
Contents
Early Life and Calling
Petronilla was born with the name Petronilla of Craon. She chose to follow a famous religious leader named Robert of Arbrissel. Robert was known for starting a unique religious community. This community was different because it included both men and women living together. They lived under the guidance of a female leader.
Building the Fontevrault Abbey
A powerful woman named Philippa of Toulouse helped Robert. She convinced her husband, William IX, Duke of Aquitaine, to give Robert land. This land was used to build the Fontevrault abbey. Robert trusted Petronilla and another woman, Hersende de Champagne. He put them in charge of watching over the building work. They also helped organize the new monastery.
Becoming the First Abbess
Robert of Arbrissel chose Petronilla to be the first abbess of Fontevrault. This happened about a year before he passed away. As abbess, Petronilla was the main leader of the entire community. She was responsible for guiding all the nuns and monks. She also asked Robert's friend, Baldric of Dol, to write the first story of Robert's life.
Legacy and Recognition
The religious group that follows the rules of Fontevrault is called the Order of Fontevrault. They celebrate Petronilla's life every year on April 24. Historians known as the Bollandists have written about her. They said that Petronilla faced many challenges in her life. However, she was brave enough to ignore what others thought. She stayed true to her path towards heaven.
