Saint Walpurga facts for kids
Quick facts for kids SaintWalpurga |
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Painting by the Master of Meßkirch, c. 1535–40.
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| Born | c. 710 Crediton, Devonshire, Wessex |
| Died | 25 February 777 or 779 Heidenheim, Francia |
| Venerated in | Catholic Church Lutheran Churches Eastern Orthodox Church |
| Canonized | 870 by Pope Adrian II |
| Feast | 25 February 1 May (relocation of her relics) |
| Patronage | Eichstätt, Antwerp, Zutphen and other towns |
Walpurga (born around 710 AD, died February 25, 777 or 779), also known as Walburga, was an Anglo-Saxon nun. She traveled to the Frankish Empire to help spread Christianity. She became a saint around 870 AD, recognized by Pope Adrian II. Her feast day is February 25. The night before May 1 is called "Saint Walpurgis Night" in some places. This name comes from the day her relics were moved long ago.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Walpurga was born in Devonshire, England. Her family was important and wealthy. Her father was Richard the Pilgrim, a leader in the West Saxons. Her mother was Wuna of Wessex. Walpurga had two brothers, Willibald and Winibald.
Becoming a Nun
In 721, when Walpurga was about 11 years old, her father and brothers went on a trip to Rome. Before they left, Walpurga was sent to live at Wimborne Abbey. This was a "double monastery," meaning it had both monks and nuns.
Sadly, Walpurga's father died in Italy. Her brothers continued their journey but became very sick. After they got better, her brother Winibald stayed in Rome to study. Willibald traveled to the Holy Land before returning to Italy to become a monk.
Walpurga stayed at Wimborne Abbey for 26 years. She received a good education there and became a nun. The nuns at Wimborne were known for their beautiful needlework. They used gold and silver threads to create amazing designs.
Missionary Work in Germany
In 737, Walpurga's uncle, Boniface, asked her brothers to help him. He was working to spread Christianity in Germany. Her brothers, Willibald and Winibald, went to Germany to assist him.
Later, Walpurga also traveled to Francia (which is now parts of Germany). She went to help Boniface and her brothers teach people about Christianity. Because of her excellent education, Walpurga wrote a book about her brother Winibald's life. She also wrote about his travels. This makes her one of the first female writers from England and Germany.
Walpurga became a nun at a monastery in Heidenheim am Hahnenkamm. Her brother Willibald founded this monastery. After he died in 751, Walpurga became the abbess, or head, of the monastery. When her other brother, Winibald, died in 760, she also took over his monastery.
Death and Legacy
Walpurga died on February 25, 777, or 779. She was buried in Heidenheim. In 870, her remains were moved to Eichstätt. In some countries like Finland, Sweden, and Bavaria, her special day is May 1. This day remembers when her relics were moved.
Why She is Remembered
Walpurga's feast day is February 25. However, May 1 was also celebrated because it was the day she became a saint. This is why the night before May Day is called Walpurgis Night. People in some parts of Europe celebrate this night with dancing and other traditions.
At Eichstätt, Walpurga's bones were placed in a special spot. It was said that a special oil came from the rocks there. This oil was believed to have healing powers. Many people traveled to her shrine to seek healing.
Some old stories say that Walpurga helped people in storms. She was also seen as a protector against rabies. In some pictures, Walpurga is shown holding stalks of grain. This might connect her to old traditions about the harvest.
Places Named After Her
Walpurga is the patron saint of several towns. These include Eichstätt in Germany and Antwerp in Belgium. She is also seen as a special protector for sailors.
Many places are named after Saint Walpurga:
- St. Walburga's Abbey is in Eichstätt, Germany.
- Another Benedictine Abbey of St. Walburga is in Colorado, USA. About 20 nuns live there.
- St. Walburg Monastery in Kentucky, USA, is home to Benedictine sisters. They helped start schools like Villa Madonna Academy.
- The Church of St. Walburge in Preston, England, is a famous Catholic church. Its spire is very tall, reaching 309 feet.
- St. Walburg's Hospital is a hospital in Tanzania. It was built in 1959 and has 220 beds.
Images for kids
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Statue in Contern church.
See also
- Germanic Christianity
- Walpurgis
