Daughter of Count Aldebert of Ostrevent and Saint Reine, Refroy was the first abbess of the monastery of Denain founded in 764, where she led her nine sisters. Known for her gentleness and piety, she died around 895. Her cult, formerly celebrated on October 18, spread from Northern France to Saxony and the Rhineland.
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SAINT REFROY OR RENFROIE,
ABBESS OF THE BENEDICTINE MONASTERY OF DENAIN, DIOCESE OF CAMBRAI (805).
Foundation of the monastery of Denain
Count Aldebert and his wife Saint Reine founded a monastery in Denain in 764 for their ten daughters consecrated to God.
The Benedictine monastery of Denain (Denaium, Denonium), founded around 764, offers a particular and quite remarkable circumstance: it was first occupied by ten sisters who had all consecrated themselves to God. They were the daughters of the blessed Aldebert, Count of Ostrevent, and of Saint Reine. Here are the few details found in various authors regarding Saint Renfroie a nd her sisters.
The blessed Aldebert and his wife Saint Reine, witnesses to the piety of their children and confidants of their dearest desires, had a monastery built (764) near the Escaut, a t the place where the city of Denain (Nord) is located today, which served as their common dowry. The joy of these holy daughters was great when their parents made this determination: and, from that moment, they applied themselves with even new fervor to the practice of religious virtues.
The work undertaken immediately was promptly completed, and the ten nuns entered with joy into the new monastery which was placed under the invocation of the most holy Virgin. At the same time, a church was erected, dedicated to Saint Martin, for a few priests who were to celebrate the sacred Mysteries in this place.
The abbacy of Saint Renfroie
Saint Renfroie, the eldest, leads the community according to the rule of the Canonesses Regular before the later adoption of the Benedictine rule.
Saint Renfroie, who was the eldest, was tasked with leading her sisters herself in the observance of the Rule they had imposed upon themselves. It is believed that this was that of the Canone sses Regular. What seems certain is th at the Rule of Saint Benedict was only established there later, after the Norman inva sions. The young abbess possessed all the virtues and qualities necessary for the exercise of the office that had just been entrusted to her. She shared an amiable gentleness and a tranquility of soul that made her respectable and dear to everyone. Some authors have suggested that she made a journey to Rome with her sisters, and that five of them went as far as Jerusalem, where they died in holiness. This fact does not appear to be supported by very certain documents.
Passing and expansion of the cult
After her death around 895, her cult spread from Artois to Saxony and the land of Cleves, likely following the transfer of her relics.
Nothing more is known regarding the life of Saint Renfroie. She died around the year 895 and was buried in the church of Saint-Martin. Her feast day was formerly celebrated on October 18 with an office of nine lessons in the dioceses of Cambrai and Arras. Her cult was also widespread in Saxon y, i n Emmerich, in Rees, in Huissen, and in the collegiate ch urch o f Xanten, in the land of Cleves. It is probable that the relics of Saint Renfroie were transported, at some point, to this region where her community held estates, and that this is the origin of the cult that was rendered to her.
Representation and sources
The saint is traditionally represented holding a church or surrounded by her parents; her life is documented by Abbé Destombes.
Saint Refroy is represented: 1° holding a church in her hand, as the first superior of the monastery of Denain; 2° in the company of her parents, Saints Aldebert and Reine.
Vie des Saints de Cambrai et d'Arras, by M. l' abbé Destombes .
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Frequently asked questions about Saint Refroy (Renfroie)
Who was Saint Refroy (Renfroie)?
Daughter of Count Aldebert of Ostrevent and Saint Reine, Refroy was the first abbess of the monastery of Denain founded in 764, where she led her nine sisters. Known for her gentleness and piety, she died around 895. Her cult, formerly celebrated on October 18, spread from Northern France to Saxony and the Rhineland.
What is Saint Refroy (Renfroie) the patron saint of?
Patronage of Saint Refroy (Renfroie): Denain Monastery.
How is Saint Refroy (Renfroie) depicted in Christian art?
In iconography, Saint Refroy (Renfroie) is recognizable by: holding a church in her hand and depicted with her parents.
Which saints were contemporaries of Saint Refroy (Renfroie)?
Contemporaries include: Saint Ansgar (Apostle of the North), Saint Bernard of Menthon (Apostle of the Alps), Saint Rumold (Rombaud) and Saint Zachary, Pope.
When did Saint Refroy (Renfroie) die?
Saint Refroy (Renfroie) died around 900.
What are the other names of Saint Refroy (Renfroie)?
Other forms of the name: Renfroie.
Who are the relatives of Saint Refroy (Renfroie)?
Relatives of Saint Refroy (Renfroie): Aldebert (father), Reine (mother) and Neuf sœurs anonymes (sisters).
Annexes & related entities
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Key Events
- Foundation of the monastery of Denain by her parents in 764
- Entered the monastery with her nine sisters
- Appointed as the first superior (abbess) of the community
- Possible journey to Rome with her sisters
- Death and burial in Saint-Martin church