Landrada was a 7th-century German noblewoman and Benedictine nun who lived in the region of Austrasia. As the daughter of Pepin of Landen, she chose an ascetic lifestyle over marriage, eventually settling in a forest near Munsterbilzen. She became a co-founder of the Munsterbilzen Abbey, where she served as its first abbess. Her religious devotion and leadership led to her recognition as a saint within the Catholic tradition.
Life and service
Born around 650 in Bilzen, Landrada renounced her aristocratic status to pursue a life of religious devotion. After living as an ascetic in the woods, she helped establish the Munsterbilzen Abbey. She led the community as its inaugural abbess until her death, which occurred around 690 or 700. Following her passing, she was interred at Wintershoven.
Veneration and legacy
Landrada is honored as a patroness of both Ghent and Munsterbilzen. Her remains were transferred to Ghent in 980, and her relics have since been shared among various churches. She is commemorated annually on July 8 in the Catholic Church.