Amalberga of Maubeuge


Saint Amalberga of Maubeuge was a Merovingian nun and saint who lived in the 7th century.

Life

Amalberga was born in Brabant. She is said to have been the sister or niece of Pippin of Landen and married Count Witger, Duke of Lorraine. In her biography she is presented as the mother of five saints: Emebert, Reineldis, Pharaildis, Ermelindis and Gudula. Amalberga joined the monastic community at Maubeuge Abbey after the birth of her youngest daughter Gudula.
Her feast is celebrated on July 10. The translation of her relics from Lobbes to Binche is celebrated on June 10.
Amalberga of Maubeuge is not to be confused with the virgin Amalberga of Temse who died in 772, and whose feast day is July 10 or October 27.

Hagiography

The biography of Amalberga of Maubeuge is probably written by Abbott Hugo of Lobbes between 1033 and 1048. Apart from a few Merovingian details, her genealogy was copied from another 11th-century hagiography, namely the :s:la:Passio S. Katharinae|Martyr story of Catherine of Alexandria. The biographical profile of her legendary husband, duke Witger of Lotharingia, is inspired on an historical figure from the 10th century, Wigeric of Lotharingia.

Literature