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
-
against eye trouble
against toothache
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
Book of Saints, by the Monks of Ramsgate
Our Sunday Visitor's Encyclopedia of Saints, by Matthew Bunson, Margaret Bunson, and Stephen Bunson
- Translate
-
español | français | deutsch | italiano | português