Pharaildis

Saint Pharaildis (also known as Pharailde or Veerle) was born in Ghent in what is now Belgium, the daughter of Witger, Duke of Lorraine, and Amalberga of Maubeuge. Raised in the care of Saint Gertrude of Nivelles, she grew in faith and made a private vow of virginity. Yet while still young she was forced into marriage with a nobleman. When she refused to break her vow, insisting her fidelity belonged first to God, she endured harsh treatment and even abuse, and she was mocked for her late-night visits to the churches where she sought refuge in prayer. After her husband’s death, Pharaildis was found to have remained a virgin, and she devoted her life to works of charity. Venerated from the early eighth century and honored as a patron saint of Ghent, she is also invoked as a patron of widows. Tradition remembers miracles worked through her intercession, and she is often shown with a goose as her sign. Her feast day is January 4.