Episode 2500: St Notburga

St. Notburga is a revered saint from the Tyrol region, known for her deep faith, charity, and service to the poor. She was born around 1265 in Rattenberg, Austria, into a humble family, and from a young age, she displayed a profound love for the poor and a desire to serve God.

Early Life and Service
Notburga worked as a kitchen maid for Count Henry of Rattenberg. While working in the count's household, she used the leftover food from the kitchen to feed the poor. Her acts of charity quickly gained her recognition, but they also drew criticism from members of the household. When the Count's wife objected to Notburga giving away food, she stopped using kitchen leftovers and began saving her own portion of food to help those in need.

Miraculous Events
One of the most well-known stories about St. Notburga involves her miraculous intervention with a sickle. According to legend, she worked in the fields on the Sabbath and, while harvesting, the time for rest approached. Wanting to honor the Sabbath, she threw her sickle into the air, and it miraculously remained suspended until the end of the Sabbath, thus enabling her to keep holy the day of rest.

Later Life
After leaving the Count's service, she was employed by a peasant family in nearby Eben. There, she continued her acts of charity and service. Eventually, Count Henry re-employed her after his wife passed away, recognizing her holiness and devotion.

Death and Canonization
St. Notburga died around 1313 in Eben am Achensee, where she is buried in the local church that now bears her name. She was venerated as a saint by the people of Tyrol, and many miracles were attributed to her intercession after her death. Although she was never formally canonized by the Church, her cultus was confirmed by Pope Pius IX in 1862, officially recognizing her as a saint.

Patronage
St. Notburga is the patron saint of servants, peasants, and farmers. She is also invoked for good harvests and is often depicted holding a sickle and a sheaf of wheat, symbolizing her work in the fields and her miraculous intervention on the Sabbath.

Feast Day
Her feast day is celebrated on September 14th, particularly in Austria, where her devotion remains strong to this day.