It has been a little quiet here of late.. But fear not! Our website will continue on our own pace. Some wonderful events have caused the big delay in posts, such as a new house, new occupations, a pregnancy and a birth. And in light of the last mentioned event, some posts inspired by the new baby will follow in the next couple of months. J
The first one being a post about Jadwiga or Hedwig of Poland; a ruler and a saint. I’ve given my own new born daughter a name from the same origin. Sadly, Hedwig herself lost her life on july 17th after giving birth to her own daughter. To honour her death, I wanted to write about her life. Which has been short, but full of miracles and juicy romance.
A little about Hedwig
Hedwig was the youngest of three daughters of king Louis I of Poland. When her father died, she only had one sister left, Mary. But Mary was already married and queen of Hungary. Poland didn’t want the influence of Hungary in their country, so they chose Hedwig as their ruler. Hedwig was crowned king (because the title of queen is, as we know, mostly reserved only for the wife of the actual ruler). Hedwig was only 10 at the time! Though still a child, Hedwig was very serious about the faith. She had been betrothed to William of Habsburg since before her coronation, and wanted to marry him- as he is a true catholic. Another reason William seemed the best match for her was because of the small age gap. William was only a couple of years older. She had already spent a year at the court in Vienna and knew William personally.
The juicy romance story
Soon after being crowned king, Hedwig received multiple offers from different suiters. She claimed her betrothal with William was legitimate, and she should honour this promise. She was such a faithful lady! William saw how the Polish nobility tried to marry her to someone else, and couldn’t stand it. At 14 years old, he travelled off to Hedwig to consummate their marriage. What happened next is not sure, I’ve heard multiple stories; William might have been stopped at the palace doors where Hedwig tried to breach the door to reach him. Other people have said he actually made it to her bed, but they were caught before consummating the marriage. Whatever happened, William got sent away. Their marriage became impossible. Having to accept this fact, both William and Hedwig married someone else. A story like many, impossible courtly love…
Some miracles
After her marriage, Hedwig remained her faithful self; also in her Holy Faith. Many people say she was very kind, and gave money to charity. Apart from that she founded many beautiful churches and restored the Krakau Academy! It is probably because of these great works that God has chosen to show some miracles to her. It is said the crucifix she prayed to spoke to her one day. She didn’t share what He said, but the sign alone is very special. On another occasion, a boy drowned close to Hedwig. Without hesitation, she threw her mantle on him and he regained life! A miracle indeed.
Hedwig has lived a special life, in which she became one of the first female rulers known to date. She was an example to us all by living a pious and fruitful, although short, life. I would even say she was a saint; who knows.. Maybe the church will grant her that title one day..