A portrait of St. Gertrude of Helfta
St. Gertrude of Helfta
1256 – 1302
Feast
November 16 · XIV c.
Patron of
Mystics · Nuns · Sacred Heart devotion
Order
Religious / Mystic / Benedictine
German Benedictine mystic (1256-1302), entered the convent of Helfta in Saxony at age five and there received the spiritual formation of Sts. Mechtilde of Hackeborn and Mechtilde of Magdeburg. Author of the "Herald of Divine Love" recording her visions of the Sacred Heart, of which she is one of the foremost early apostles. Equipollent canonization 1677 by Innocent XI; the only female saint called "the Great."
Life & Times
Born: 1256 · Died: 1302 · From: Germany / Helfta.
Patronage
St. Gertrude of Helfta is invoked as the patron of mystics, nuns, sacred heart devotion. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“Lord, may all that is in me adore you.”— Herald of Divine Love.
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Gertrude of Helfta, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.