Reineldis

Saint Reineldis was born around 630 in Condacum, identified with either Condé-sur-l’Escaut or Kontich, into a noble and deeply Christian family. She was the daughter of Duke Witger of Lotharingia and Saint Amalberga of Maubeuge, and sister to several holy siblings, including Emebert, a priest of Cambrai. Drawn early to God, Reineldis made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, praying in Jerusalem and returning with a heart more firmly set on Christ. Back in her homeland, she lived at Saintes near Hal in Brabant, either as a recluse in a small cell or in a life devoted to works of charity. When invaders—remembered as Frisians or Huns—swept through the region, Reineldis remained with the deacon Grimoald and her servant Gondulf. In the chapel, clinging to the altar, she was dragged by her hair and beheaded around 680, giving fearless witness to the Lord she loved. She is venerated especially as patroness of Saintes and is invoked for ailments including diseases of the eyes. Her feast day is July 16.