St Gertrude the Great

Today we will remember the life that was lived by St. Gertrude the Great.

St. Gertrude, was a Benedictine nun who was located in Helfta, Saxony, and was one of the great mystics during the 13th century. Together with her friend and teacher St. Mechtild, she was able to practice a spirituality called “nuptial mysticism,” that is how she was able to see herself as the bride of Christ. Her spiritual life was a very deep and personal union with Jesus and his Sacred Heart, leading her into the very life of the Trinity.

However, this was no individualistic piety. St. Gertrude had lived the rhythm of the liturgy, where she had found Christ. Through the liturgy and in the Scripture she was able to find the themes and images to enrich and express her piety. There was no clash between her personal prayer life and the liturgy. The Feast day of St. Gertrude the Great is celebrated on November 16.

Prayer to St. Gertrude:

St. Gertrude during your life, you were able to live a life of deep devotion to Christ, we pray that you may help us during our lives to deepen our devotion and intimacy with Christ so that we may get to be more like Him.

Amen

St. Gertrude pray for us

St. Joseph pray for us

May we continue to strengthen our journey to sainthood and keep others in our prayers.

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Works cited

Information (read from, not taken):

Franciscan media. “Saint Gertrude the Great." https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-gertrude-the-great. Accessed September 13, 2021.

Images:

Saint Gertrude the Great. September 13, 2021.Saint Gertrude the Great.