Gertrude of Ostend (d. 1358)

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Gertrude of Ostend (d. 1358)

Dutch mystic and saint. Name variations: Gertrude van der Oosten; Saint Gertrude. Died in 1358 at the almshouse in Delft.

Blessed Gertrude of Ostend, of lowly parentage, was betrothed to a young man who jilted her for the sake of another woman with a larger dowry. Gertrude was known for having the stigmata or five wounds, for having worked many miracles, and for her ecstasies, in which she would sometimes remain for weeks. Her surname came from her practice of singing a song about her country, "Het dagbet in den Oosten" (Day breaketh in the East), applying the words to Christ. Gertrude of Ostend's feast day is January 6.

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Gertrude of Ostend (d. 1358)

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