(A.D. 687.)
[Belgian and Gallo-Belgian Martyrologies. The life is from a MS.
at Marolles, of uncertain date, but apparently authentic.]
Saint Bertilia was born of noble parents. From an early age her heart
turned to the service of God alone, and she delighted in attending the
offices of religion. A youth of noble blood, named Guthland, sought
her hand in marriage, for she was very beautiful, gentle in speech,
and modest in manner. But Bertilia refused him, desiring to retire
into a solitary place; however, when her parents urged her vehemently,
she gave a reluctant consent to their wishes, and was married.
Nevertheless, at her desire, the young husband and she lived together
in all chastity, as brother and sister, serving the poor, and given
to hospitality. On the death of her husband, she divided his goods
with the Church, and built a great church at Marolles, with a little
cell adjoining it for her habitation. One night, after long protracted
prayer in the church, she returned to her cell, where she was seized
with excruciating pains; nevertheless, she knelt down and prayed with
fervour, and prepared her soul for its departure. After having received
the last Sacraments, she fell asleep in Christ, and was buried in the
church she had built at Marolles. She was taken up and enshrined by
Gerard II., Bishop of Cambray, on September 14th, 1081; and translated
to another shrine on the 8th October, 1221.
Patroness of Marolles, in the diocese of Cambray.
Relics at Marolles.
[Illustration: Decoration]