Leoba

Leoba, (also Lioba (of Tauberbischofsheim) and Leofgyth) (c. 710 – 28 September 782) was an Anglo-Saxon Benedictine nun and is recognized as a saint. In 746 she and her companions left Wimborne Minster in Dorset to join her kinsman Boniface in his mission to the German people. Leoba was a learned woman and involved in the foundation of Benedictine nunneries in Kitzingen and Ochsenfurt. She had a leading role in evangelizing the area. Leoba was acclaimed for many miracles: saving a village from fire; saving a town from a terrible storm; protecting the reputation of the nuns in her convent; and saving the life of a fellow nun who was gravely ill – all accomplished through prayer. Her first letter to Boniface contains the first poetry known to have been written by an English woman.

== Early life == She was born Leofgyth in Wessex to a noble family, the only child of elderly parents, Dynne and Æbbe. Her mother was related to Boniface, and Boniface was a friend of her father's. Her mother had a dream in which she would conceive "the chosen / beloved" child of Christ. This dream also told her mother that her offspring was to lead a spiritual life, and to serve the church. The name "Leob" means "greatly loved", with Leofgyth being from Old English léof or líof 'beloved, dear' and gýþ or gúþ 'battle'.