Amalberga of Temse

Who was Amalberga of Temse?

Amalberga of Temse was a Lotharingian noblewoman from the Frankish royal house of the Pippinids who is celebrated as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church. She is especially venerated in Temse, Ghent, Munsterbilzen and other parts of Flanders. Many miracles, such as crossing a river on a giant fish, are attributed to her.

Her vita is connected to Charlemagne, whom her biographer says wanted to marry her. When she refused in order to continue her vocation as a virgin, he tried to move her by force; he broke her arm, but was unable to carry her off. He fell ill because of his actions, but she forgave him and prayed to God to heal him.