Gudule, Goule, or Ergoule, St

Gudule, Goule, Or Ergoule, ST., a Belgian virgin, patroness of Brussels, is said, according to tradition, to have been born in Brabant about 650. She was the daughter of St. Amalberge, and was educated by her godmother, St. Gertrude, abbess of the convent of Ni-velle. In 664, Gertrude having died, Gudule went to reside with count Witger, the second husband of her mother. While there she led a life of extravagant asceticism, and, according to the Romish legend, accumulated Such a stock of good works that God gave her the power to work miracles both during her life and after her death! She died Jan. 8, 712, and was buried in the church of St. Michael, Brussels, which was subsequently called after her, and is now the cathedral of St. Gudule. She is commemorated on the 8th of January, and is the object of special veneration throughout Belgium. See Ruth d'Ans, Vie de St. Gudule (Brussels, 1703,12mo); Baillet, Vies des Saints (vol. i, Jan. 8); Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, 22:352; Butler, Lives of the Saints, Jan. 8.