Saint Hildelith of Barking

Also known as

Hildelid
Hildelida
Hildelitha
Hildeltha
Hildilid
Hildelitba

24 March
7 March (translation of relics)
23 September (translation of relics)
3 September on some calendars
22 December on some calendars

Profile

Anglo-Saxon princess; she was well educated, very cultured, and could read Latin. Spent most of her youth in France. Nun at Chelles and Faremoutiers-en-Brie, France. Recalled to England by Saint Erconwald to train his sister, Saint Ethelburga of Barking. Friend of Saint Cuthburgh of Wimborne. When Ethelburga became abbess of Barking Abbey, Hildelith stayed as a nun, and eventually served as abbess there herself. Much admired by Saint Aldhelm of Sherborne, Saint Bede the Venerable and Saint Boniface. Visionary.