Hedwig of Silesia

Saint Hedwig of Silesia was born in 1174 at Andechs Castle in Bavaria, into the noble House of Andechs. Educated in a Benedictine abbey, she learned early to join faith with service. At twelve she married Henry I “the Bearded,” and when he became Duke of Silesia, Hedwig shared both the burdens of rule and the work of mercy. In the midst of political turmoil, she proved a courageous intercessor, even traveling to plead for her husband’s release when he was imprisoned. Hedwig and Henry founded the Cistercian abbey at Trzebnica, and after Henry’s death in 1238 she moved there, taking the habit as a lay sister while remaining a widow. She poured her resources into the Church, hospitals, and care for the poor, widows, orphans, and the sick, and she was remembered for austere humility and tender compassion. She endured the sorrow of her son Henry II’s death at Legnica during the Mongol invasion, yet continued to foster prayer and monastic life. Canonized in 1267, she is honored as patroness of Silesia and Upper Silesia, including the Province of Saint Hedwig of Silesia in Wrocław. Her feast day is October 16.