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| Wilfrid von York, der Etheldreda eingekleidet hat; Maria mit Kind, Etheldreda von Ely |
"Born
and brought up in the fear of God — her mother and three sisters are numbered
among the Saints — Etheldreda had but one aim in life, to devote herself to His
service in the religious state. Her parents, however, had other views for her,
and, in spite of her tears and prayers, she was compelled to become the wife of
Tonbercht, a tributary of the Mercian king. She lived with him as a virgin for
three years, and at his death retired to the isle of Ely, that she might apply
herself wholly to heavenly things. This happiness was but short-lived; for
Egfrid, the powerful King of Northumbria, pressed his suit upon her with such
eagerness that she was forced into a second marriage. Her life at his court was
that of an ascetic rather than a queen: she lived with him not as a wife, but
as a sister, and observing a scrupulous regularity of discipline, devoted her
time to works of mercy and love. After twelve years, she retired with her
husband's consent to Coldingham Abbey, which was then under the rule of St.
Ebba, and received the veil from the hands of St. Wilfrid."
– John
Gilmary Shea.
(übernommen von: P. Lawrende OP)
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| St Etheldreda, Ely |
