Bertha of Avenay (fl. 6th c.)

views updated

Bertha of Avenay (fl. 6th c.)

Frankish saint. Died at end of the 6th century; married Gumbert (also canonized as a saint).

Bertha of Avenay and her husband Gumbert were related to the kings of the Franks. After Gumbert was martyred in Ireland where he had gone as a missionary, Bertha founded a convent near Avenay in Champagne and became its abbess. She was killed there by her nephews who objected to the generous gifts she had bestowed on the church. Bertha's feast day is on May 1.

More From encyclopedia.com