St. Pharaildis of Ghent

  Posted on January 3, 2024  by admin  No comments

Born: c.650 in Ghent, Belgium

Died: c.740 of natural causes

Patronage: against childhood diseases, difficult marriages, poultry, victims of abuse, widows, Ghent, Belgium, Smetlede, Belgium, Bruay, France

Also known as Farahilde, Farailde, Pharaild, Pharailde, Pherailde, Vareide, Varelde, Veerhilde, Veerle, Verylde

Sister of Saint Gudule. Niece of Saint Gertrude of Nivelles. After making a private vow of virginity, Pharaildis was forced into marriage with a wealthy nobleman. Her husband insisted that she was married to him, and her sexual fidelity was owed to him, not God. Physically abused for her refusal to submit to him, and for her late night visits to churches. When widowed, she was still a virgin. Legend says that Pharaildis caused a well to spring up whose waters cured sick children.