Second Sunday of Advent

Saint Trudo was born in the region of Hesbaye in what is now Belgium, and died around 698. From his earliest years he longed to serve God, and he placed himself under the guidance of Saint Remaclus, Bishop of Liège. Sent on for formation to Chlodulph, Bishop of Metz, Trudo was educated at the Church of Saint Stephen, for which he kept a lifelong devotion. After his ordination he returned to his homeland, preaching the Gospel with such fruitfulness that he came to be called the “Apostle of Hesbaye.” Around the River Cicindria he built a church at Sarchinium, blessed about 656 in honor of Saints Quintinus and Remigius. Disciples gathered around him, and their common life grew into a monastery that would become the great Abbey of Sint-Truiden. He also founded a convent for women near Bruges, later associated with his name. After his death he was buried in the church he had built, and his relics were lovingly guarded and solemnly translated in later centuries. Saint Trudo is honored as patron of Sint-Truiden and Saint Trudo’s Abbey. His feast day is December 6.