St. Matilda Medal – Patron Saint of Parents of Large Families

St. Matilda of Saxony was a member of a noble family of Saxony, a section of Germany. She married Henry the Fowler who soon became Duke of Saxony and was later raised to the German throne.

Henry’s reign was a successful one, and people attributed this as much to his wife’s prayers as to his own talents. Five children were born to Matilda and Henry: Otto, who later became emperor and who was known as “the Great”; Henry, who became Duke of Bavaria; St. Bruno, who became Archbishop of Cologne; Gerberga, who married King Louis IV of France; and Hedwig, who became the mother of Hugh Capet. Henry died after twenty-three years of marriage.

Henry had wished his eldest son Otto to succeed him. Matilda, however, favored Henry, and she induced a few nobles to vote for him. If this was a fault in Matilda, she paid dearly for it. Otto was chosen king and was crowned. Henry started a rebellion and was defeated.

Otto then made Henry Duke of Bavaria. Then both brothers turned on their mother and accused her of wasting the crown money on her charities. They even set spies to watch her movements and her donations. She bore this with patience saying that she was glad to see her sons united even though it was against her, “provided they can do it without sin.”

Matilda resigned her inheritance and took refuge in a convent where she redoubled her fervor and austerity. Then Otto called her back to court and restored her possessions. She used them to build hospitals, monasteries, and churches and to help the poor. As she lay dying, her grandson, Archbishop of Mainz, came to minister to her. She died as she lay on a haircloth stretched over the bare earth.

Today, the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast Day of St. Matilda on March 14th. St. Matilda is the patron saint of large families and parents of large families. You may also be interested in reading the Biography of St. Julie Billiart and the Biography of St. Veronica Giuliani

Prayer to St. Matilda of Saxony

Prayer of Intercession while wearing a St. Matilda Medal

O GOD, by whose grace the blessed Matilda enkindled with the fire of thy love, became a burning and a shining light in thy Church:

Grant that we may be inflamed with the same spirit of discipline and love, and ever walk before thee as children of light; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

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O St. Matilda, patron saint of widows, we ask for your guidance and intercession as we face the challenges and difficulties of life. Help us to trust in God’s love and care for us, and to find strength and hope in times of hardship. May we find inspiration and guidance in your example, and may we always be guided by the love of Jesus. Amen.

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Dear St. Matilda, we turn to you in prayer and ask for your intercession and guidance. You were a devoted queen and a compassionate servant of the poor and sick. Grant us the compassion and generosity that you exemplified, that we may follow in your footsteps and serve those in need with love and kindness. Help us to trust in God’s love and care for us, and to find joy and fulfillment in helping others. Amen.

 

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Popular St. Matilda Items

A St. Matilda medal or a St. Matilda rosary is a perfect gift to give to a young woman who bears the name Matilda or who has chosen St. Matilda as their confirmation name. Wearing a St. Matilda medal daily is a perpetual prayer for Saint Matilda to intercede on behalf of the wearer. As saints are united closer to God, their prayers are more efficacious, and enriches your own prayer.

Additionally, a Saint Matilda pendant is a reminder to emulate the example of the holy saint in your daily life. What a beautiful testament of faith to share with the world, or to keep discretely tucked under your clothes. During the challenging moments of your day, reflect upon the holy life of St. Matilda and pray for their intercession and protection.

Our St. Matilda medal pendants are pressed by hand by local artists in New England. The Saint Matilda Medal features a beautiful image of the holy saint in profile with her robes cascading over her crossed arms. She is wearing her iconic crown with a halo surrounding her head. Around the outer band of the pendant are the words “Saint Matilda Pray for Us”

Reflection on the Feast of St. Matilda

The feast of St. Matilda is celebrated on March 14th in the Catholic Church.

St. Matilda was a medieval queen and saint who is remembered for her charitable works and her devotion to the Catholic faith. Born in 895 in the Holy Roman Empire, Matilda was the daughter of Duke Henry of Saxony and his wife, Duchess Matilda. At the age of 12, she was married to King Henry I of Germany, who later became the Holy Roman Emperor. The couple had two children together, a son and a daughter, and Matilda was a devoted mother and queen.

In addition to her duties as queen, Matilda was also known for her charitable works. She founded several monasteries and hospitals, and she was deeply involved in the care of the poor and sick. She also supported the work of missionaries, and she was known for her generosity and compassion towards those in need.

St. Matilda was a devout Catholic, and she was known for her deep faith and devotion to God. She was a patron of the arts, and she supported the construction of several churches and cathedrals. She was also a patron of education, and she helped to establish several schools and universities.

As we reflect on the life of St. Matilda, we are struck by her dedication to the service of others. Despite her position as queen and the many responsibilities that came with it, she made time for charitable works and the care of the poor and sick. She was a model of compassion and generosity, and she reminds us of the importance of serving others and reaching out to those in need.

St. Matilda’s devotion to the Catholic faith is also an inspiration to us. She was a patron of the arts and education, and she supported the construction of churches and cathedrals. She recognized the value of these things in the spiritual lives of the people, and she worked to support and promote them.

In our own lives, we can strive to imitate the example of St. Matilda by dedicating ourselves to the service of others and by supporting the work of the Church. We can reach out to those in need, offering them our compassion and generosity. And we can cultivate our own faith through the arts, education, and participation in the life of the Church.

As we remember St. Matilda and give thanks for her life and example, we pray that she will intercede for us and help us to follow in her footsteps. May we be inspired by her example to serve others with love and kindness, and to grow in our own faith and devotion to God. Amen.

Saints Similar to St. Matilda

You may also be interested in reading the Biography of St. Maximilian Kolbe. St. Matilda was a medieval queen known for her charitable works, similar to the selflessness of St. Maximilian Kolbe, who offered his life to save others in Auschwitz. Next up: Biography of St. Matthew the Apostle

 

Also check out our handmade St. Matilda Medal and St. Matilda Rosary and St. Matilda Rosary Bracelet.