Ermelendis (or Hermelinda), Saint

Ermelendis (or Hermelinda), Saint was born at Odenca, near Louvain, about 550. She was of a rich family of Brabant, and was but twelve years old when she resolved to consecrate herself to God. Some time later her parents tried to induce her to marry, but she cut off her own hair in their presence and hid herself in the solitudes of the vicinity. She only left her cell, with bare feet, when she assisted at the divine services. Two young men, brothers, and lords of the place, having designs upon her chastity, Ermelinde retired to a more secluded place called Meldric (now Meldaert), near Hugard (Brabant), and subsisted there on fruits and herbs till her death, about A.D. 595. Forty- eight years afterwards her obscure tomb was discovered, and a chapel was erected over it, which has since perished. She is commemorated on October 29. See Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, s.v.; Smith, Diet. of Christ. Biog. s.v.