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6th or 7th-century Merovingian noblewoman and duchess of Aquitania

Chrodoara

Chrodoara

Chrodoara was a Merovingian noblewoman and duchess of Aquitania who lived during the 6th or 7th century. Born in Swabia around 560, she was married to Bodegisel-Bobo before becoming a widow near 589. Following her husband's death, she relocated to Amay, where she used her significant wealth to support charitable works and the church. She is often identified with the figure Oda of Amay and is sometimes considered to be the mother of Arnulf of Metz.

Life and devotion

Saint Ode depicted on her shrine at the Church of Saint George and Saint Ode in Amay
Saint Ode depicted on her shrine at the Church of Saint George and Saint Ode in Amay

After moving to Amay, Chrodoara became a prominent patron and benefactor of the local religious community. She is traditionally credited with founding the Abbey of Amay in what is now Belgium. Her life of service concluded before 634, and she was laid to rest in the Church of Saint George.

Veneration and discovery

The sarcophagus belonging to Chrodoara located in the Collegiate Church of Saint George and Saint Ode
The sarcophagus belonging to Chrodoara located in the Collegiate Church of Saint George and Saint Ode

The saint is commemorated on October 23 in both Catholic and Orthodox traditions. In 1977, her sarcophagus was discovered within the choir of the church. The cover of this tomb depicts her in her role as an abbess, reflecting her historical importance to the abbey she helped establish.

In 11 languages

Редакція Factograf · Published November 12, 2026 · Partly based on Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source article