Lives Of The Saints
October 16
St. Hedwig
Hedwig of Silesia joined prayer and penance to practical charity, helped establish Trzebnica Abbey, and bore the griefs of family and public life with steadfast faith.
Altar panels from the legend of Saint Hedwig of Silesia
Brief life
Hedwig lived the Christian life in the midst of a ducal household in Silesia. As wife of Duke Henry I and mother of a large family, she used her position to care for the poor and sick and to strengthen the religious life of her people.
With her husband, she helped establish the Cistercian abbey at Trzebnica. Hedwig's personal austerity was joined to works of mercy, hospitality, and care for those in need. She also bore deep family sorrow, including the death of her son Henry in battle.
After her husband's death, Hedwig lived close to the community at Trzebnica without taking its vows. Her life joins prayer, penance, and public responsibility, showing a charity that remained steady through grief and hardship.
Historical note
Hedwig helped establish the Cistercian community at Trzebnica, which later became her place of burial and a lasting center of devotion to her.
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