St. Mathilda - a podcast by Ave Maria Hour Radio Show

Rebroadcast of the long running radio program, "The Ave Maria Hour", a presentation of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement. www.AtonementFriars.org

St. Mathilda - St. Mathilda von Ringelheim was a noblewoman in early 10th century Germany. Raised and educated by her grandmother in the older woman’s monastery, her beauty and virtue caught the notice of Duke Otto I of Saxony, who thereafter arranged for her to marry his son Duke Henry “the Fowler” of Saxony. Upon the death of both his father and the heirless King Conrad I, Henry succeeded Otto and became king of East Francia, with Mathilda thus becoming his queen. They had five children, including St. Bruno the Great, Otto the Great, who became Holy Roman Emperor, and Duke Henry of Bavaria. It was these two latter siblings who took up much of Mathilda’s attention for the rest of her life, for they were always fighting wars against one another, with Henry usually being the instigator. She also spent much of her time depleting both sons’ treasuries, as she was always funding some charitable effort. Indeed, this is what accounted for her reputation as a saint. When she wasn’t feeding or clothing the poor, she was building huge monasteries, convents, and abbeys. She endowed the canonries of many cathedrals, churches, and such, and she helped advance the cause of education and the arts by providing financing for these endeavors, as well. Queen Mathilda was also someone dedicated to prayer, often spending much of her free time in this fashion. Indeed, when she was finally able to retire from public life, she laid aside her crown and entered Quedlinburg Abbey as a simple nun with no special privileges or considerations given to her.

Further episodes of The Ave Maria Hour Radio Show

Further podcasts by Ave Maria Hour Radio Show

Website of Ave Maria Hour Radio Show