St. Bathilde

Bathilde was kidnapped in her youth from her native England and sold into slavery in France to Erkenwald, the Mayor of the Palace of King Clovis II. When grown, she was placed in charge of the household. She married King Clovis II in 649, and as a result she became a Queen and a mother of three sons, all of whom became kings: Clotaire III, Childeric II and Thierry I. She used her royal position to protect the Church, and help the poor. She was widowed in 655 and served as regent. Upon taking her late husband's power, she immediately forbade the enslavement of Christians. She endowed religious houses, including Chells Abbey, and helped the work of Saint Eligius. In 665, when her son Clotaire was 15, she handed the throne over to him, and entered Chelles Abbey, spending the rest of her life in prayer and care of the sick. Her feast is kept on January 30.