Saint Hedwig of Silesia (1174-1243), a duchess and mother of seven, used her wealth to found hospitals and monasteries and lived a life of striking penance and charity, especially toward the poor and lepers. Widowed, she retired among the Cistercian nuns at Trebnitz. She is a patron of Silesia and of those who do good amid power.

October 16

• Silesia
• widows
• victims of jealousy

Canonized

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16