5th century

Saint Neomadia

A 5th-century Poitevin virgin from an illustrious family, Saint Neomadia is honored for her humble virtues. Her cult, very active in Poitou and near Saint-Maixent, is marked by numerous pilgrimages. She is traditionally invoked for the healing of epilepsy.

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    SAINT NEOMADIA, VIRGIN IN POITOU (5th century).

    Life 01 / 03

    Origins and virtues

    Neomadia is presented as a virgin from the Poitevin nobility, recognized for her exceptional virtues according to the archives of Poitiers.

    Neomadia , a Poite vin virgi n, born of very illustrious parents, was endowed with the most excellent virtues, according to the oldest monumen ts of the Church of Poitiers.

    Life 02 / 03

    Lineage and birthplace

    The author situates her probable birth in Baussay, within a seigniorial family whose name died out in the 17th century.

    Her glory, better known to God than to men, lies above all in the humble virtues she was able to practice. The name of her family has only been extinct in Poitou for two hundred years. Everything leads one to believe t hat she was born in Baussay, a small locali ty in the pari sh of Mouterre-Silly, for her family held the seigniory there until the time it merged into the house of Rec herbouard.

    Cult 03 / 03

    Cult and intercession

    The holiness of Neomadia is attested by popular fervor in Poitou and her intercession is renowned against epilepsy.

    What sufficiently proves her holiness is the considerable gathering of people that has taken place for centuries at a parish church dedicated under her name, not far from Saint-Maixent, as well as at the very numerous chapels dedicated to her throughout the Poitevin territory. The trus t of the people has not ceased to invoke her against epilepsy, f rom which her prayers have very often delivered its sad victims.

    Official source Les Petits Bollandistes, by Mgr Paul GUÉRIN, chamberlain to His Holiness Pius IX.

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    The miracles of Saint Neomadia

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    Frequently asked questions about Saint Neomadia

    Who was Saint Neomadia?

    A 5th-century Poitevin virgin from an illustrious family, Saint Neomadia is honored for her humble virtues. Her cult, very active in Poitou and near Saint-Maixent, is marked by numerous pilgrimages. She is traditionally invoked for the healing of epilepsy.

    What is Saint Neomadia the patron saint of?

    Patronage of Saint Neomadia: Baussay and Poitou.

    What is Saint Neomadia invoked for?

    Saint Neomadia is invoked for: epilepsy.

    What miracles are attributed to Saint Neomadia?

    1 miracle are attributed to this saint, notably: Healing.

    Which saints were contemporaries of Saint Neomadia?

    Contemporaries include: Saint Augustine of Hippo, Saint Honoratus of Arles, Saint James of Tarentaise and Saint Jerome of Stridon.

    When did Saint Neomadia die?

    Saint Neomadia died around 500.

    Who are the relatives of Saint Neomadia?

    Relatives of Saint Neomadia: Maison de Recherbouard (family related by late marriage).

    Annexes & related entities

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    Key Events

    1. Born to illustrious parents in Baussay
    2. Practice of humble virtues
    3. Establishment of a secular cult in Poitou