If reading this story brings up difficult emotions or feelings for you, please pause and seek the guidance of a trusted friend, mentor, or mental health professional.
St. Matilda lived in ancient Germany. She was raised in a convent by her grandmother, who was the abbess. This upbringing provided Matilda with a strong foundation of generosity and prayer.
Matilda later married Henry, the Duke of Saxony. Soon after the birth of their first child, Henry became the king of Germany.
As queen, Matilda engaged in many charitable works and became well-known for her generosity. She cared for the poor and the sick, visited prisoners, and supported religious orders. Henry strongly supported his wife’s work.
When Henry died suddenly, leaving Matilda a widow, Matilda threw herself more into her foundation of prayer and generosity.
Unfortunately, Henry’s death caused much trouble in the family. Matilda and Henry’s oldest son, Otto, became king, while their second son, Henry, became the Duke of Bavaria.
Matilda tried to convince Otto to give the kingship to Henry because she thought Henry was better suited for the role. This enraged Otto. The two brothers had many conflicts over the throne, which caused Matilda much suffering.
One of the only things the brothers could agree on was their dislike of Matilda’s charitable work. They accused her of squandering the family’s wealth. Because of her attempts to bring Henry to the throne and her sons’ disdain of her works, she was briefly exiled.
Later on, the family reconciled. When Otto became Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, he appointed Matilda as ruler of a kingdom. She spent her old age founding monasteries and eventually retired to the convent where she was raised.
Matilda is the patron saint of widows.
Lessons From St. Matilda
Matilda and Henry had a strong marriage, and Henry was truly a partner in Matilda’s charitable works. His sudden death likely caused her much suffering. Matilda’s keys for healing and resilience were her generosity and her prayer, important tools for the healing journey.
One thing many trauma and resilience researchers have found is that generosity towards others who have been through something similar can be very healing. This generosity might look like sitting with someone going through what you did, donating money to an organization that helps, or volunteering for a cause that helps others.
Additionally, many trauma researchers have also found that regular prayer is a huge source of healing and resilience. Prayer can help us receive God’s healing grace and unite our sufferings to the cross, so they can be transformed by God.
May we, like Matilda, engage in generosity and prayer, these two important tools for the healing journey.