Saint Pharaildis

Also known as
Vareide; Varelde; Veerle; Verylde
Memorial
4 January
Profile
Sister of Saint Gudule. Niece of Saint Gertrude of Nivelles. After making a private vow of virginity, she was forced into marriage with a wealthy nobleman. Her husband insisted that she was married to him, and her sexual fidelity was owed to him, not God. Physically abused for her refusal to submit to him, and for her late night visits to churches. When widowed, she was still a virgin. Legend says that Pharaildis caused a well to spring up whose waters cured sick children.
Born
c.650 in Ghent, Belgium
Died
c.740 of natural causes
Canonized
Pre-Congregation
Patronage
Bruay, France; childhood diseases; difficult marriages; Ghent Belgium; victims of abuse; widows
Print References
The Book of Saints, by the Monks of Ramsgate
Translate
español | français | deutsch | italiano | português

Saints Index SQPN Contact Author