Saint Opportuna - April 22
Saint Opportuna Opportuna of Séez never raised children of her own, but she became known as a mother to the Benedictine nuns she led in eighth-century France. Born in a castle in a small village near Argentan, Normandy, France, Opportuna entered a convent when she was still young. She received the veil from her brother, Bishop Chrodegang of Séez. Her cousin Lantildis was abbess of the convent at the time. Opportuna's faith and kindness stood out, and before long she was chosen to lead the convent as abbess. Displaying great patience, she offered guidance and support as well as gentle correction when needed. She cared for the nuns as their spiritual mother. Her life took a sorrowful turn when her brother, Bishop Chrodegang, was killed on his way to visit her. The man he entrusted to run the diocese while he was in Rome for seven years planned his murder. And even though Opportuna foresaw her brother's death, she was powerless to stop it. Overcome with grief over the loss of her brother, Opportuna died less than a year later from a brief illness on this date in 770. No known miracles were attributed to her during her lifetime, but it is said that people experienced them after visiting her tomb. Today, St. Opportuna is honored. Her brother and cousin also are venerated as saints.
Opportuna of Seez
Opportune…
Memorial
22 April
Profile
Sister of Saint Chrodegang of Séez. Niece of Saint Lanthilda. Benedictine nun and abbess at the convent near Almenêches, France, receiving the veil from her brother. Legend says that a peasant stole a donkey from her convent and refused to acknowledge his crime. Opportuna turned it over to God; the next day the farmer‘s field was sown with salt. The peasant returned the donkey AND gave the field to the nuns.
Born
at castle of Exmes, Argentan, Normandy, France
Died
22 April 770 from a brief illness compounded by grief from the death of her brother
relics taken to the priory of Moussy, France, in 1009, and then to Senlis, France
in 1374 her right arm and a rib were taken to Paris, France to a church built in her honor
part of her head remains at Moussy
her left arm and part of her skull are at Almenêches
one jaw is in the priory of Saint Chrodegang of Metz at Isle-Adam
Canonized
Pre-Congregation
Patronage
in France
Almenêches, Normandy
Montreuil-la-Cambe
Séez, diocese of
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