St. Matilda

Matilda was the daughter of Count Dietrich of Westphalia and Reinhild of Denmark, born into noble lineage during the early medieval period. She was also known as Mechtildis and Maud, reflecting the various linguistic traditions of her time. From an early age, she was raised by her grandmother, the Abbess of Eufurt convent, who instilled in her a deep love for God and the religious life.

In the year 909, Matilda married Henry the Fowler, son of Duke Otto of Saxony, beginning a royal marriage that would shape the course of German history. Henry succeeded his father as Duke in 912 and in 919 succeeded King Conrad I to the German throne, making Matilda the Queen of Germany. Throughout her time as queen, she was noted for her exceptional piety and extensive charitable works, earning the love and respect of her subjects.

Matilda was widowed in the year 936, and she actively supported her son Henry's claim to his father's throne. When her son Otto (later known as Otto the Great) was elected king, she persuaded him to name Henry Duke of Bavaria after he had led an unsuccessful revolt, demonstrating her wisdom and diplomatic skills in managing family conflicts.

Despite her noble intentions, Matilda was severely criticized by both Otto and Henry for what they considered her extravagant charities. Her generous giving to the poor and religious institutions was seen by her sons as excessive, leading to family tensions. In response, she resigned her inheritance to her sons and retired to her country home, showing her humility and willingness to sacrifice for peace.

Matilda was eventually called back to the court through the intercession of Otto's wife, Edith, who recognized her mother-in-law's wisdom and value. When Henry again revolted, Otto put down the insurrection in 941 with great cruelty. Matilda censored Henry when he began another revolt against Otto in 953 and for his ruthlessness in suppressing a revolt by his own subjects. At that time, she prophesized his imminent death, and when he did die in 955, her prediction was fulfilled.

After Henry's death, Matilda devoted herself to building three convents and a monastery, using her resources to serve God and the Church. She was left in charge of the kingdom when Otto went to Rome in 962 to be crowned Emperor, an event often regarded as the beginning of the Holy Roman Empire. In her declining years, she spent most of her time at the convent at Nordhausen she had built, living a life of prayer and service. She died at the monastery at Quedlinburg on March 14 and was buried there with Henry. Her feast day is celebrated on March 14th.

Liturgical Celebration

St. Matilda is celebrated on March 14th. This feast day honors her life of royal charity, her wisdom in managing family and political affairs, and her dedication to founding religious communities that continue to serve the Church.

Traditions and Customs

On this day, many Catholics pray for those in positions of power and wealth, for families dealing with conflicts, for religious communities, and for the Church in Germany. It's also a day to reflect on how to use our resources and influence for the service of God and others.

Prayer and Devotion

The feast day is an excellent time to pray for political leaders, for families in conflict, for religious communities, for the Church in Germany, and to ask for St. Matilda's intercession in using our resources wisely and charitably.