St Eusebia or Xenia , Abbess Died c. 680 AD
She was the oldest daughter of St Adalbald of Ostrevant and St. Rictrudis. After St Adalbald was murdered, Rictrudis and her 2 younger daughters retired to the convent of Marchiennes. St. Eusebia was sent to the Abbey of Hamage. This Abbey was under the direction of Eusebia's great grandmother, St Gertrude, at that time. After St Gertrude died, Eusebia wad elected Abbess in her place, in accordance with St Gertrude's dying wish. Eusebia was only 12 at that time. Eusebia's mother thought she was too young to be in charge and so she sent for Eusebia, and instructed her and her nuns to come to Marchiennes. Eusebia was not happy with the arrangement but obeyed. Soon she and her nuns arrived at Marchiennes, carrying with them the body of St Gertrude.Once everyone had settled in to the new arrangement, almost everyone was content, except Eusebia. She continued to long for Hamage. One night, she and some of her nuns secretly ventured back to Hamage. There they said the office and lamented that St Gertrude's dying wish had not been fulfilled.
Although this did not go unpunished, Rictrudis, realizing that Eusebia was still longing for Hamage, consulted with the Bishop and other holy men. They advised her to let Eusebia return there.
Rictrudis consented and Eusebia and her nuns returned to Hamage. Rictrudis did not regret her decision. Eusebia proved to be a wise and capable Abbess. She reestablished the dicipline that had been the norm during the time of St Gertrude, and continued to live by the example of St Gertrude for the rest of her life. Nothing special seems to have happened during the rest of her life. At age 40, she had a premonition that her life would soon come to an end. She gathered her nuns around her and gave them her final instruction and blessing. Almost as soon as she finished speaking, her room was filled with a bright light. Soon afterward, her soul winged its way to its heavenly reward. Her feast is March 16.
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