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St. Adelaide of Italy was born in the year 931 in present-day Switzerland. She was the daughter of the king of Burgundy.
When Adelaide was two, her father arranged her engagement to the son of a political rival, fostering a political alliance between the two. Adelaide married the son several years later and had one daughter with him.
Adelaide’s husband also had several political rivals. One of these rivals eventually poisoned him, leading to his death. Then, the rival tried to force Adelaide to marry his son. When Adelaide refused, he imprisoned her for four months, and she eventually escaped with the help of a priest.
Adelaide petitioned Otto I, a nearby king, for aid and protection. In 951, she married Otto, and together, they had four kids. Ten years into their marriage, Otto was crowned the Holy Roman Emperor, and Adelaide was crowned Empress. Together, they ruled until Otto’s death in 973.
Adelaide’s son, Otto II, ruled until his death in 983. Before his death, he named Adelaide and her daughter-in-law as regents for Otto III, Adelaide’s grandson, hoping they would rule together until Otto III was old enough to take over.
Unfortunately, Adelaide’s daughter-in-law drove Adelaide away, forcing her to live in exile until her daughter-in-law’s death. Adelaide then became sole regent for her grandson, ruling until Otto III was legally old enough to take the throne.
With her duty complete, Adelaide retired to a convent, dedicating herself to prayer, evangelization, and founding religious communities until her death in 999.
St. Adelaide of Italy is the patron of:
- Brides
- Emperesses
- Those facing hardship in marriage
- Abuse victims
- Second marriages
- Step-parents
- Widows
Lessons from St. Adelaide of Italy
Upon her escape from the trauma of her first husband’s death and her long imprisonment, Adelaide found herself in a position of power in which she could do much good.
Through the grace of God, Adelaide embraced this new mission, born out of her suffering, to be a kind, charitable ruler.
May we have the eyes to see God’s new mission for us after trauma, and have the courage and grace to embrace it.
St. Adelaide of Italy, pray for us!