Gertrude was raised in the Cistercian abbey of Helfta, Eisleben, Saxony
from age five. An extremely bright student, and gentle person. At age
26, when she had become too enamored of philosophy, she received a
vision of Christ who reproached her; from then on she studied the Bible
and the works of the Church Fathers. Gertrude received many visions and
mystical instruction, which formed the basis of her writings. She
helped spread devotion to the Sacred Heart. Her writings have been
greatly praised by Saint Teresa and Saint Francis de Sales, and
continue in print today.
Patron saint of nuns and travellers
Back to Rose Window
