Meet My Patron Saint: St. Gertrude of Nivelles

Blending Faith, Education, and Love for Creation

If there’s one saint whose life mirrors my own journey in surprising, grace-filled ways, it’s St. Gertrude of Nivelles. She might not be as widely known as some other saints, but she carries a quiet strength that speaks to my heart—and probably to many others who walk gently with faith and fiercely with love.

St. Gertrude lived in 7th-century Belgium and was an abbess, a caretaker of both people and souls. She turned down a royal marriage proposal at a young age to dedicate her life to Christ. Together with her mother, St. Itta, she founded the Abbey of Nivelles—a place of prayer, hospitality, education, and service. She welcomed pilgrims, cared for the sick, and created a spiritual home rooted in love and learning.

That might have been over a thousand years ago—but somehow, it feels familiar.

I’m not an abbess, but I am an educator and a lifelong learner. I don’t run a monastery, but I do open my heart and home to God’s creatures—especially cats. Right now, I’m caring for 24 feline foster-fails (yes, you read that right), each with their own story, personality, and need for love. Just like Gertrude, I believe in the sacredness of all creation—of offering refuge, nourishment, and dignity to every life that crosses our path.

More than that, I share her love for quiet service—the kind that doesn’t shout but stays. The kind that doesn’t look for applause but leaves behind healing.

📚 Faith Rooted in Curiosity

St. Gertrude didn’t just serve; she studied. She was deeply immersed in Scripture and spiritual writings, and although most of her personal words were lost to history, her legacy was one of prayer and intellectual grace.

Like her, I’ve found myself diving deeper into the richness of our Catholic faith—from the writings of the early Church Fathers to the historical and spiritual context offered by tools like the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible. I’ve started documenting these reflections on a simple website—not a fancy one, just an online diary—for fellow Catholics and curious seekers alike.

Because just like her, I believe that faith isn’t static—it grows. And when it grows in us, it naturally reaches out to others, too.

🐱 Patron of Cats, Protector of the Gentle

St. Gertrude is known today as the patron saint of cats (and travelers, and the recently departed). While the cat connection may have started as a legend—due to her monastery’s rodent problem—it’s grown into a symbol of her gentleness, warmth, and spiritual companionship.

I like to think that when I feed yet another stray, or cradle a frightened kitten at midnight, she’s right there with me—smiling, praying, and watching over us both.

🌿 My Prayer

St. Gertrude of Nivelles,

you who welcomed the poor, taught with wisdom,

and loved all of God’s creatures—

pray for me as I continue this journey.

Help me teach with compassion,

care with courage,

and love this world with a heart rooted in Christ.

May every pawprint, every prayer, and every page

be a quiet echo of your holy legacy. Amen.