Godeberta

Godeberta (Gothic meaning "fervor", 640–April 9 or 11, 670; also called Gotheberta and Gothoberta) was a saint and abbess. She was born of "pious parents" in Amiens, France, north of Paris. Her parents were nobles attached to the king's court, so she was carefully educated. When Godeberta was old enough, her father took her to the king's court to obtain permission to "marry her to someone of suitable rank and fortune". Saint Eligius, who was present at court, was able to see that she wanted to "dedicate her virginity to God", and took off his episcopal ring and placed it on her finger in the presence of the king, pronouncing her a nun. Godeberta refused offers of marriage by her noble suitors, and the king, impressed with her zeal and conduct, endowed Godeberta with a small palace in nearby Noyon, north of France, with a chapel dedicated to Saint George. She turned her home into a monastery, where she was abbess for 12 young women. She chose Eligius as her spiritual guide.

Godeberta lived a life of prayer and solitude at the monastery in Noyon for the rest of her life, leaving occasionally when "the call of charity or religion brought her forth among the people", many of whom were pagans. She also practiced penances, fasts, and believed in the efficacy of the sign of the cross. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, in 676, when Noyon was threatened with fire, she made the sign of the cross over the flames and they were immediately extinguished, saving the town from destruction. Dunbar reported that "her sanctity was shown by many miracles".