.svg)
Get ready to celebrate Saint Gertrude of Nivelles Day on March 17! This day honors the life and accomplishments of the patron saint of cats, travelers, gardeners, and those suffering from mental illness. Legend has it that she was able to control mice with her prayers, making her a beloved figure among cat lovers. She is also known for her compassion towards the sick and her dedication to prayer and contemplation. So let's take some time on this special day to honor Saint Gertrude and all the things she stands for – whether it's by spending time with our furry feline friends or showing kindness to those in need.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>626</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Birth of Saint Gertrude</div><div class='timeline-text'>Saint Gertrude of Nivelles was born in modern-day Belgium, starting her life journey in faith and service.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>639</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of Nivelles Abbey</div><div class='timeline-text'>Gertrude, alongside her mother Itta, founds the Abbey of Nivelles, a Benedictine monastery where she served as the abbess.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>659</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Death of Saint Gertrude</div><div class='timeline-text'>Saint Gertrude dies and is buried at Nivelles Abbey. Her dedication to faith and service leaves a lasting legacy.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1677</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Statue of Saint Gertrude</div><div class='timeline-text'>A statue depicting Saint Gertrude with a staff and mice at her feet is erected in Nivelles, reflecting her legends.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Popularity among Cat Lovers</div><div class='timeline-text'>Saint Gertrude gains popularity as the patron saint of cats during the 19th century, becoming a favorite among cat lovers worldwide.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Recognition of Saint Gertrude's Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The tradition of recognizing March 17 as Saint Gertrude's Day gains momentum:</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a monastery</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a trip to a local monastery or abbey in honor of Saint Gertrude, who was the abbess of a monastery herself. Explore the beautiful grounds and learn more about her life and legacy.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Bake traditional Belgian waffles</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Saint Gertrude is the patron saint of cats, travelers, and gardeners, but she is most famously associated with rats and mice. In her honor, bake some traditional Belgian waffles, which often have a mouse or rat design on them.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate to an animal shelter</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>As the patron saint of cats, consider making a donation to your local animal shelter in honor of Saint Gertrude. You could also volunteer your time or adopt a furry friend in need.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a garden</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Saint Gertrude was known for her love of gardening and is often depicted with a trowel or shovel. Spend the day creating a beautiful garden in your yard or community space in her honor.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a prayer service</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather friends and family together to honor Saint Gertrude with a prayer service. You can include readings about her life and ask for her intercession for any intentions you may have.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>She is the patron saint of cats</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Saint Gertrude of Nivelles is known as the patron saint of cats, and her feast day is celebrated by many cat lovers around the world. She is believed to have a special connection with animals and is often prayed to for their protection and well-being.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Her life story inspires compassion and kindness</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Saint Gertrude of Nivelles dedicated her life to serving others, especially the sick and needy. Her selfless acts and compassionate nature serve as an inspiration for people to also show care and love towards those in need.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>She is a reminder of the importance of faith</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Saint Gertrude of Nivelles was a devout Christian who lived out her faith through her actions. Her feast day serves as a reminder to uphold one's beliefs and values, even in difficult times, and to trust in God for strength and guidance.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Saint Gertrude of Nivelles is Often Depicted with Rats or Mice</h3><p class='facts-content'>Though now popularly associated with cats, Saint Gertrude's original iconography often shows her with rats or mice. Early legends tell of her offering hospitality to souls in purgatory, symbolized by rodents.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>She was Canonized as a Saint Shortly after her Death</h3><p class='facts-content'>The influence of Saint Gertrude was so strong that she was canonized as a saint shortly after her death, a rare occurrence at the time.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Her Feast Day Coincides with Saint Patrick's Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>Saint Gertrude's Day falls on March 17, the same day as Saint Patrick's Day, giving the day a dual significance particularly in places like Ireland where both saints are celebrated.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Cats Weren't Domesticated in Europe During Her Life</h3><p class='facts-content'>During Saint Gertrude's lifetime in the 7th century, house cats were not widely domesticated in Europe yet. The association with cats developed much later, largely due to her iconography with rodents.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>She is also the Patron Saint of those Seeking Mental Wellness</h3><p class='facts-content'>In addition to being the patron saint of cats, travelers and gardeners, Saint Gertrude is also considered a patron saint of those who struggle with mental health conditions. This aspect of her patronage emphasizes her care for the marginalized and suffering.</p></div></div>
Saint Gertrude of Nivelles Day is celebrated on March 17 every year. In 2024, it falls on a Sunday.
2023
Mar 17
Friday
2024
Mar 17
Sunday
2025
Mar 17
Monday
2026
Mar 17
Tuesday
2027
Mar 17
Wednesday
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
