Saint Walburga

Walburga was born in Wessex, England, around 710, the daughter of Saint Richard and sister of Saints Willibald and Winebald. After her father left for Rome, she was educated by the nuns of Wimborne Abbey in Dorset, where she spent many years and became known for her learning.

Around 748, at the request of her kinsman Saint Boniface, she traveled with other nuns to Germany to support his missionary work. She later became abbess of the double monastery of Heidenheim, founded by her brother Winebald, governing both monks and nuns after his death in 761. She was known for her prayer, wisdom and care for the sick, and many healings were attributed to her. She died on February 25, 779. Around 870 her relics were moved to Eichstätt, and a clear liquid, known as 'Walburga oil,' began to flow from the stone slab beneath them.

The Benedictine nuns of the Abbey of Saint Walburga in Eichstätt still collect the 'Walburga oil' and send it to the sick around the world. Many hospitals and towns in Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium bear her name.

The translation of her relics on May 1 gave rise to 'Walpurgis Night' in Germanic folklore, a name that has nothing to do with the saint's holy life.