Sigeberge was a seventh-century Benedictine abbess who led the monastery at Remiremont during its time at the Mont Sainte. According to religious tradition, she lost her sight from weeping over the Passion of Christ, which led to her being known as Cecilia. Because of the miracles attributed to her relics and her intercession, she is also referred to by the names Claire or Clarisse. She is recognized as a saint in both the Catholic and Orthodox traditions.
Life and identity
As one of the earliest abbesses of the Remiremont abbey, Sigeberge lived during the seventh century. Her identity is closely linked to her blindness, a condition reportedly caused by her intense grief during reflections on the Passion. This physical loss resulted in her being called Cecilia, a name derived from the Latin word for blind.
Veneration and names
The saint is commemorated on August 12. Due to various miracles involving the healing of eye ailments, she is also invoked under the names Claire or Clarisse. These different titles reflect the perceived connection between her own blindness and the relief of similar suffering through her intercession and the use of her relics.