Bertille (d. 705/713)

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Bertille (d. 705/713)

French saint. Born into a landowning family near Soissons, France; died between 705 and 713.

Bertille became a nun at the abbey of Jouarre which followed the strict rule of St. Columbanus. A few miles away, the tiny convent of Chelles was built by Queen Chrodegilde . In 658, it was enlarged by Queen Balthild who then brought Bertille from Jouarre to be its director. When Balthild was driven from the throne around 665, she spent the last 14 years of her life under the rule and guidance of Bertille, who was abbess at Chelles for 46 years. Her feast day is on November 5.

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