Episode 1358: St Mildred

St. Mildred was an Anglo-Saxon princess who was born in the 7th century. She was the daughter of King Merewalh of Magonsaete and Domne Eafe. Mildred was educated at the prestigious Merovingian Royal Abbey of Chelles, near Paris.
She was raised in a devout Christian household, and from an early age, she demonstrated a strong inclination towards a religious life. When she was still a young girl, her mother entered a convent, and this had a profound influence on Mildred's own decision to pursue a monastic vocation.

In her late teenage years, Mildred decided to dedicate her life to God and joined the monastery at Minster-in-Thanet, a double monastery that housed both monks and nuns. The abbess of the monastery, Edburga, was her aunt, and under her guidance, Mildred received a comprehensive education and spiritual formation.

After the death of Abbess Edburga, Mildred succeeded her as the abbess of the monastery. As abbess, she was known for her wise leadership and her commitment to the spiritual and physical well-being of the community. She introduced reforms and stricter observance of the monastic rule, and the monastery flourished under her guidance.

St. Mildred was also known for her charitable works. She was dedicated to caring for the poor, the sick, and the needy, and her kindness and generosity earned her a reputation as a compassionate and virtuous woman.

Mildred's reputation as a holy woman spread throughout the region, and she became a renowned figure of piety and wisdom. Many sought her counsel and guidance, and her sanctity was revered by both the clergy and the laity.

St. Mildred died on July 13, 732, and her remains were buried in the church at Minster-in-Thanet. She was venerated as a saint soon after her death, and her tomb became a popular pilgrimage site. Numerous miracles were attributed to her intercession, and she was regarded as a powerful patroness of healing.

Over the centuries, St. Mildred's cult continued to grow, and her feast day is celebrated on July 13th. She is often depicted in medieval artwork as an abbess holding a crozier, a symbol of her leadership and authority.
After her education, Mildred returned to England and founded a monastery at Minster-in-Thanet. She became the abbess of the monastery and was known for her piety and her work with the poor. She died around the year 700.

St. Mildred's feast day is celebrated on July 12th. She is the patron saint of the Isle of Thanet, Kent, England.

Here are some other things to know about St. Mildred:

She was a descendant of King Æthelberht of Kent, the first Christian king of England.
Her sisters, Milburga and Mildgyth, were also considered saints.
Her relics were translated to St Augustine's Abbey, Canterbury in 1030.
She is depicted in art as a young woman with a crown, a crozier, and a hind.
St. Mildred is an inspiration to us all. She shows us that it is possible to be holy even in the midst of a turbulent time in history. She is a reminder that God is always with us, and that he loves us unconditionally.
St. Mildred's legacy lives on in the churches and communities named after her, particularly in Kent, where she is highly venerated. Her life serves as an inspiration to those seeking a life of faith, devotion, and service to others.