Adelaide of Burgundy
Queen who became empress in the 10th century, she was married to a Germanic sovereign and received the crown in Rome. Widowed, she ensured the regency for her son and then for her grandson, defending the peace of the realm and the unity of the Empire. Marked by trials and politics, she resolutely turned towards monastic reform, supported Cluniac communities, and dedicated her last years to the poor, the sick, and the founding of churches and abbeys. She died on December 16 in Seltz, and the Church venerates her as a saint for her charity, wisdom, and fidelity to Christ.
- Early Middle Ages
- Germany
- Feast day December 16
- † 999
- Queen
- Founder
- Widow
Adelaide of Burgundy, also known as Alice, was born in Orbe around 931, daughter of King Rudolf II and Bertha of Swabia. She became Queen of Italy from 947 to 950 through her first marriage to Lothair II. Widowed and imprisoned by Berengar of Ivrea, she appealed to Otto I, King of Germany, whom she married in 951. She became Queen of Germany and again Queen of Italy, and was crowned Empress of the Holy Roman Empire in 962 alongside her husband. She used her influence to support the Church and the poor, promoting the Cluniac reform. After the death of Otto I in 973, she experienced periods of estrangement from the court but served as regent of the empire for her grandson Otto III from 991 to 995. She founded the monastery of Seltz, where she retired and died on December 16, 999. She was canonized by Pope Urban II in 1097 and is celebrated on December 16. She is invoked for family problems.
Patronage
Sayings for the day — December 16
- Froid et neige en décembre, du blé à revendre.