According to legend, sometimes set in Portugal, a teen-aged noblewoman named Wilgefortis had been promised in marriage by her father to a pagan king. But Wilgefortis' desire was to become a nun, and so to thwart the unwanted wedding, she took a vow of virginity, and prayed that she would be made repulsive so the king wouldn't want to marry her. And in answer to her prayers she sprouted a beard, which ended the engagement. In a rage, Wilgefortis's father had her crucified.
Bummer. And with that, she became an inspiration to oppressed and unhappily married women around the globe. Her feast day was formerly observed on July 20... But then the Roman Catholic church removed her commemoration in the liturgical reform of 1969. But I think this bearded saint still deserves recognition.
I'm Allie Fraley for "Get to Know a Saint." Good night.
1 comment :
This is wonderful!
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