Godeberta, Saint

Godeberta, Saint was born at Boves, near Amiens, about 640. She was consecrated by St. Elogius, bishop of Noyon, in the presence of Clotaire III (from 655 to 659). The hagiographers say that she established a society of twelve women, whom, with untiring devotion, she instructed according to the strict rules of the gospel, and by her own virtuous example. By her faith she is said to have arrested the flames. and when a violent pestilence attacked Noyon, she caused its cessation by assembling the citizens together in penitence. She died about 700. Her remains were for a long time in the cathedral of Novon. She was canonized, and her memory is honored April 11. See Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, s.v.; Smith, Dict. of Christ. Biog. s.v.