Vincent Madelgarius

Vincent Madelgarius, aka Maelceadar, Benedictine monk, died 677. His feast day is September 20.

Belgian accounts Belgian sources state that Madelgarus was born about 615 in Strépy, Belgium.

The young nobleman married around 635 the distinguished and saintly Waltrude. Her father Walbert IV was related to the Frankish royal house, and her mother was Saint Bertilia. Together they lived a life characterized by piety and good deeds. They had four children, two sons and two daughters, all of whom are counted among the saints: Landericus, Madelberta, Aldetrudis and Dentelin.

Shortly after his marriage, Madelgarus was sent by Dagobert I to Ireland. He is said to have returned with many missionaries from Ireland. (O'Hanlon connects this story with the monastery at Hautmont.) However, hagiographer John O'Hanlon concedes that while some Irish writers place Madelgarius's place of birth in Ireland, and others in Aquitaine, the consensus leans to his being from Hainaut. Vincent is sometimes known as Maelceadar (Mael Ceadar), or Mauger. He became greatly celebrated in military and state affairs. Madelgarius and Waltrude became known for their charitable care for the poor and helpless. Madelgarius was highly respected by the people he governed. He was friends with Saint Ghislain, and Amandus.

The claim that he was of Irish origin, which was asserted by Jean du Pont and some Irish writers, has been refuted by Jean Mabillon and the Bollandists. Stories of Vincent Madelgarius and his family have become entwined with much that is legendary.

He became the main patron saint of the town of Soignies, where there is a magnificent Romanesque basilica that bears his name. When the Normans invaded the area, his relics were relocated to Metz. A 13th-century casket containing his head was destroyed during the French Revolution, but it is possible that the relic was salvaged – it is said to be in a replacement casket made in 1803. His cult remains strong today and is celebrated at two major processions in Soignies each year, one on the day of his death, July 14, and the other on the Monday after Whitsunday. His memorial day is otherwise September 20.

St. Dentelinus is the patron saint of Rees, Germany.