Begga (613–698)

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Begga (613–698)

Belgian saint Name variations: Beggha; Beggue of Austrasia. Born 613; died 698 (some sources cite 693 or 694) at Ardenne; dau. of Ida of Nivelles (597–652) and Pepin I of Landen (d. 640), mayor of Austrasia; sister of Gertrude of Nivelles (626–659); m. Ansegisel, also known as Auseghisel, Anchises, and Ansegisal, mayor of Austrasia (r. 632–638, son of St. Arnulf of Metz and Dode); children: Pepin II of Heristal (c. 640–714), mayor of Austrasia and Neustria (r. 687–714).

Upon death of husband who was killed while hunting (c. 638), made a pilgrimage to Rome; returning home, retired to the abbey that she had founded at Ardenne in present-day Belgium; also founded 6 other churches at Ardenne of the Meuse. Feast day is Dec 17.