Itta of Metz

Itta of Metz, OSB (also Ida, Itte or Iduberga; 592–8 May 652) was the wife of Blessed Pepin of Landen, Mayor of the Palace of the Kingdom of Austrasia. After his death, Itta founded the Abbey of Nivelles as a double monastery for both monks and nuns, where she became a Benedictine along with her daughter, Gertrude of Nivelles. Both are honored as saints by the Roman Catholic Church.

Life There is no direct record of Itta's parents, but it has been suggested that she came from a family of senatorial status which had originated in Aquitaine, and was a daughter of Arnoald, Bishop of Metz, son of Ansbertus. Her brother was Modoald, Bishop of Trier, and her sister Severa was an abbess.

Itta married Pepin of Landen, Mayor of the Merovingian Royal Palace. After Pepin died in 640, Itta and her daughter Gertrude withdrew from the capital for a religious life. Itta died at the abbey on 8 May 652.

Children Itta had another daughter by Pepin, Abbess Begga of Andenne, who had married Ansegisel, son of Arnulf of Metz, before joining the monastery. By Saint Begga, she is the grandmother of Pepin of Herstal and one of the matriarchs of the great Carolingian family.

Her sons were Grimoald, later Mayor of the Palace, and father of King Childebert the Adopted; Itta's second son Saint Bavo (or Allowin) became a hermit and was later canonized. Both her daughters were also canonized, as was she. Her feast day is celebrated on 8 May.

Patronage Itta is honoured as the patron saint of the French village of Itteville, which was founded on the site of a farm that she had established.

Family