Adelina of Mortain
A monastic figure of the 12th century, the first abbess of a community known as the “White Ladies”, which followed the rule and the habit of Cîteaux. Sister of an order's founder, she organized a group of nuns before establishing an abbey dedicated to the Virgin, whose spirituality emphasized austerity and simplicity. Locally venerated, she is celebrated on October 20th and her cult is linked to the tradition of saints associated with Savigny.
- Middle Ages
- France
- Feast day October 20
- † 1125
- Virgin
- Founder
- Nun
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Saint Adelina, born around 1060, was the sister of Saint Vitalis of Savigny, the founder of the Congregation of Savigny. Influenced by her brother, she embraced religious life and was appointed the first abbess of the Abbaye Blanche (White Abbey) of Mortain, in Normandy, a house of nuns that adopted the rule and the habit of Cîteaux, hence their name of “White Ladies”. She led the community with wisdom and piety until her death in 1125. Her dedication to monastic life and her role in establishing and growing this significant religious institution are celebrated. She serves as an example of female spiritual leadership in the medieval era.
Same era and same region
Places
- Church
- Abbaye Blanche de Mortain