St. Hedwig

Hedwig (sometimes called Jadwiga) was born in 1174 in Andechs, Bavaria, Germany. She was the aunt of St. Elizabeth of Hungary. At the age of twelve, Hedwig was married to Duke Henry of Silesia, the head of the Polish Royal family. She bore him seven children, and they had a happy marriage. Henry founded a Cistercain convent at Trebnitz, as well as hospitals and monasteries. Henry died in 1238 and Hedwig became a Cistercain at Trebnitz. She died in the convent on October 15. Many miracles were reported after her death, and she was canonized in 1266.

Hedwig is a patroness of Silesia, a region of eastern Europe. Her Feast Day is October 16.