Pharaildis was an 8th-century virgin from the Brabant region who is recognized as the patron saint of Ghent. Born to the Duke of Lorraine, she was raised by Gertrude of Nivelles. Despite a private vow of virginity, she was forced into a marriage with a nobleman. Following the death of her husband, she remained a virgin and devoted her life to charitable works. She lived to the age of ninety and passed away in Bruay-sur-l'Escaut.
Life and devotion
After being married against her wishes, Pharaildis faced physical abuse for maintaining her vow of chastity and her frequent visits to churches. Upon becoming a widow, she dedicated her remaining years to helping others through charity. Her life of devotion led to various legends, including stories of her turning bread into stone and causing a healing spring to emerge from the ground.
Veneration and legacy
Her relics were moved to Ghent around 754 by Abbot Agilfrid. She is commemorated on January 4, and her memory was celebrated through the Fru Verelde festival in Ghent during the late 19th century. In religious iconography, she is often identified by the symbol of a goose, which relates to a legend in which she supposedly brought a cooked bird back to life.