Saint Who?
Saints Who Worked in Agriculture
Saint Amelia of Temse
Religious († c. 772)Feast: July 10
Amelia (also Amalberga) of Temse was born in the 8th century to a noble family in what is now France. The stories of her life are hard to piece out, as there are two saints who share a name and feast day, whose histories and legends have been conflated.
According to an ancient Vita, young Amelia’s beauty and virtue attracted the attention of the ruling family, and she was vigorously courted by a powerful leader; some say it was Charlemagne, others Charles Martel. But Amelia desired the religious life and entrusted herself to God’s protection, praying before the altar. The would-be suitor broke her arm, trying to force her to marry him. She was healed, however, and soon escaped to become a nun in the town of Temse in Belgium.
It is said she once miraculously crossed a river on the back of a large sturgeon. Her prayers wrought healing for the sick and helped to save the people from starvation. On one occasion a wondrous catch of fish took place. On another, she caused springs to appear, saving drought-ridden fields. She died at thirty-one, and is honored as patroness of fishermen and farmers.
Eternal Father, help those afflicted
by drought and famine through
the prayers of Saint Amelia.
