Born in the Westphalia area of Germany late in the 9th century, she was the daughter of a local count and, as a young girl, went to the local Abbey where her grandmother was Abbess, and grew to be well known across the region for her beauty, her grace, and her charity. 

She married William The Fowler, who became King of Germany, but he died in 936. 

She had two sons, Henry and Otto. Matilda supported Henry’s bid as King, but it was Otto who was elected and Henry never got over that. 

After leading a revolt, Henry was made Duke of Bavaria, but when he led another revolt Otto completely defeated Henry’s forces. 

This caused Matilda great distress and she warned Henry, that when he led a third revolt, she’d been given a prophecy that he would die, and he did, in 955. 

Henry and Otto had not agreed on much, but they did both get frustrated with their mother’s gifts to the poor and sick. 

After Henry’s death, she devoted her efforts to building three convents, then took charge of the Kingdom when Otto was sent to Rome to become The Holy Roman Emperor. 

She was deeply loved by her subjects and died on this day in 968. 

St. Matilda, please pray for us