archives, St. Agatha Monastery
Cuijk, Holland
Odilia
died c. 720
December 13
This patroness of Alsace, according to legend, was the daughter of Frankish nobleman Adalric, who hated her for being born blind and banished her. They later reconciled, when her sight was miraculously restored. She was baptized Odilia, or “daughter of light,” but had to flee her home to avoid marrying. She returned only when Adalric promised her his castle at Hohenburg, in the Vosges Mountains, for a monastery. Her shrine at Mont-Sainte-Odile became a famous pilgrimage site; Charlemagne and other emperors were among the pilgrims.
