SAINT ODILIA

Saint Odilia was born in France in the seventh century. She was born blind and her father wanted to have her put to death. Because of her mother's pleas it was agreed to give Odilia away anonymously to a peasant.

At the age of twelve Odilia was placed in a convent at Baume. Baptized by Bishop Saint Erhard of Regensberg her eyes opened when they were touched by chrism during the baptismal liturgy. When her father was told of the miracle he was so angry at his son for arranging for Odilia's return that he struck and killed him. Later the father repented and accepted Odilia. Her father agreed to let her turn his castle into a convent. She became Abbess and then found another convent at Niedermunster.

She died on December 13 around the year 720.