St. Bathildes - January 30th
Born in England, St. Bathildes was taken to France and sold as a slave while she was still a young girl. She was bought for a very cheap price by the mayor of the Palace. As she grew older, she became very wise and virtuous. She was so gentle and good that King Clovis married her and made her Queen Bathildes. Three sons were born to her, but the King died when the oldest was still just a little boy. So, St. Bathildes ruled the Kingdom until they grew up.
She used her new honor to help the Church in every way she could. She did not become proud or unkind. Rather, this good Queen cared for the poor, forbade that Christians be made slaves, filled France with hospitals for the sick and founded a seminary and a convent.
Later she entered the convent herself. There she forgot her royal dignity and became very obedient and humble. She showed great charity to the sick. When she became ill, she suffered long and patiently until her death.
Because St. Bathildes was never selfish, she became a great saint. By sharing our things, we will make others happy and win much glory in Heaven.
