Saint Bertilla of Chelles

Bertilla was born to a noble family near Soissons in the 7th century and, against her parents' first wishes, entered the monastery of Jouarre. When Queen Saint Bathild refounded the abbey of Chelles, she chose Bertilla as its first abbess. For over forty years Bertilla led the community with wisdom and humility; queens and princesses, among them Bathild herself, came to live under her rule. She also sent nuns and books to help found monasteries in England, and died around 705.

Her relics were kept at Chelles together with those of Saint Bathild, and the town still honors both holy women.