Gertrude the Great

Gertrude the Great (January 6 1256–November 17 1301) (known informally as Saint Gertrude) was a German Benedictine and mystic writer.

Related Topics:
January 6 - 1256 - November 17 - 1301 - German - Benedictine

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Gertrude was born January 6 1256 in Eisleben, Thuringia (now part of Germany). As a young girl, she joined the Cistercians in Helfta. She dedicated herself to her studies, becoming an expert in literature and philosophy. She later experienced a conversion to God and began to strive for perfection in her religious life. She had various mystical experiences, including a vision of Jesus, who invited her to rest her head on his breast to hear the beating of his heart.

Related Topics:
January 6 - 1256 - Thuringia - Germany - Cistercians - Jesus

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She died at Helfta, near Eisleben, Saxony, 17 November, 1301 or 1302.

Related Topics:
Helfta - Eisleben - Saxony - 1301 - 1302

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Although called Saint Gertrude, she was never formerly canonized. Her feast day of November 16 was declared in 1677 by Pope Clement XII.

Related Topics:
November 16 - 1677 - Pope Clement XII

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