Saint Alena
- Also known as
- Alène
- Memorial
- 24 June
- Profile
- Daughter of a pagan chieftain.
Secret convert to Christianity.
One night she slipped out to hear Mass at the chapel in Vorst.
Her father found out, and ordered guards to follow her; they winessed her walk across the river Senne to reach the chapel.
When the guards reported back to the king, he decided that the Christians had bewitched the girl, and ordered the guards to bring her back.
She refused, fought with the guards, and during the struggle of her arms was cut or torn off.
An angel appeared and took the arm to the chapel where it was placed before the altar.
Alena's parents were shocked, but her fierce faith led them to examine Christianity, and converted themselves.
The chapel with her relics became a popular place of pilgrimage.
- Born
- 6th century Belgium near Brussels
- Died
- martyred c.640
- Canonized
- Pre-Congregation
- Patronage
-
eye trouble;
toothaches;
Vorst, Belgium
- Representation
-
princess healing a blind man;
princess with an angel;
princess with one arm off
- Additional Information
-
Angelus Workshop (icon)
For All The Saints, by Katherine Rabenstein
- Print References
-
Book of Saints, by the Monks of Ramsgate
Our Sunday Visitor's Encyclopedia of Saints
- Translate
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