St. Bertilla, Abbess of Chelles. 692 A.D.
by VP
Posted on Wednesday November 05, 2025 at 04:00AM in Saints
PROGRESS IN VIRTUE. -Not to advance in virtue, as the masters of spiritual life affirm, is to go backward: this maxim is founded on the experience and example of the saints. Bertilla was already solidly grounded in piety when St. Owen, archbishop of Rouen, permitted her to consecrate herself to God in the monastery of Jouarre. She there became still more humble and detached from the promptings of her own will, and more edifying towards all with whom she held dis'course; the abbess, consequently, intrusted her with important offices. So far was she from not realizing the general expectation, that she ever found fresh occasion, both from the functions intrusted to her and from her relations with the world, to advance in virtue. Having been summoned by the general voice to govern the convent of Chelles, founded by Queen Batholos, when that pious sovereign had retired there, these two holy women were seen with great emulation devoting themselves to the practice of good after the most perfect manner; and, according as the end of their lives approached, preparing themselves by manifold and holy practices of piety. Bertilla died towards the year 702.
MORAL REFLECTION. It is written that the saints raise themselves heavenward, proceeding from virtue to virtue, as by steps. (Psa. lxxxiii. 6.) Source: Pictorial Half Hour with the Saints by Abbe Auguste LeCanu
