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Icon of St. Adelaide, Empress
(lived 931 - 999)
Feast: Dec.
16
The
iconographer herself writes: "This icon is in a private collection in
Texas.
St. Adelaide was a truly remarkable woman. She was the daughter
of the king of Burgundy, and was married to the son of the ruler of
Provence as a means of ending a feud. When her husband was
murdered by a rival prince, she was shut up in captivity until freed by
Otto I, who became Holy RomanEmperor and Adelaide, his Empress.
She ruled with her husband until his death, at which time her jealous
daughter-in-law had her banished from the court twice! Yet she
remained steadfast and faithful, known for her liberality in giving and
her piety; and eventually she was restored to court as the regent for
her grandson Otto III. She was active in the reforms of the great
abbey at Cluny, and reposed in 999. Despite her exalted status,
she was a wife and mother, and lived both hard times and good, always
faithful to her Lord, and always ready to give generously to those in
need. She never took revenge on her political enemies once she
gained the regency and it was said that her court was much like a
monastery itself in its piety. She is a reminder to me that
regardless of how much or how little I may have, my work remains the
same. It was true joy to write this icon."
Icon by the
hand of Mary Brigid Petersen, Antiochian Archdiocese, Austin,
Texas.
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