February 24
Saint Adela of Blois
Countess, Mother, Nun
(Around 1067 – 1137)
“Take up the weapons of the glorious army for the salvation of many thousands.”
Saint Adela of Blois
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Saint’s Life Story
Her Early Life
Adela was born around 1067 in Normandy, France. She was the youngest daughter of William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy and later the King of England, and his wife Mathilde of Flanders. Adela was very well educated, spoke several languages, and was deeply religious.
Married at 15
Around the year 1080, Adela married Stephen III, Count of Blois, who was one of the richest men in Europe. Together, they had 11 children although some of them may have been Stephen’s children from a previous marriage because he was 20 years older than Adela.
Endowed Abbeys and Churches
Adela supported scholars and poets at her court, and this significantly contributed to the spiritual and cultural life of her time. She continue this support all of her life. She also generously endowed abbeys and churches with money so they could expand and preserve the culture and arts of the time. Adela also corresponded on ecclesiastical matters with the Bishop of Le Mans.
Her Husband off to the First Crusade
In 1095, Stephen became one of the leaders of the First Crusade, whose purpose was to reclaim the Holy Land for the Christians. During the four years that he was away, Adela controlled hundreds of his estates in France. In her governance, she was so effective that she became known as “the heroine of the First Crusade.” Stephen returned home for a time, during which Adela conceived their youngest son. But then Stephen went back to the Holy Land where he was killed after the Battle of Ramala in 1102.
Adela also worked with Bishop Ivo of Chartres at various points. She exchanged letters throughout her regency to discuss matters such as the control of misbehaving nuns and larger issues such as disputes about sworn oaths.
Regent
After her husband’s death and in the early year of her son Thibaud’s reign, Adela then became regent. In 1109, her eldest son, Thibaud, was old enough to rule his father’s estates on his own. However, Adela continued to exert influence over the estates by her good advice. Adela had chosen him rather than his elder brother William as heir, as she did not think William fit to rule. Even when Thibaud came of age, Adela continued to issue charters and to act as co-regent of many parts of their lands. She did not secure a marriage alliance for him. Thibaud did not get married till after she retired in 1120, allowing her to keep her power and influence.
Adela was an accomplished and influential woman. She wrote many letters which can still be read today. Her personal chamber was adorned with scenes from the bible, mythology, her father’s conquest of England and images of the academic subjects of the time, displaying her love of learning. She contributed greatly to the economic and cultural well-being of her lands and was generous in endowing monasteries and churches.
Her Children
Adela was a devout sympathizer with the Benedictines. She had her children educated by high-ranking tutors. One child, Hugh, was dedicated to God as an oblate at Cluny Abbey. He went on to be appointed Abbot of Glastonbury and Bishop of Winchester. In that capacity, he was responsible for a huge building program of churches and chapels. Hugh also sponsored many books, including the Winchester Bible. Another son, Stephen, was a favorite at the court of Henry I and seized the English throne from the rightful heiress, the Empress Matilda, which led to the long civil war.
Became a Nun
In 1122, when her children were grown, Adela became a nun in Marcigny Convent in Eastern France, near the great Benedictine Abbey of Cluny, This convent followed the rule of life given by Saint Benedict. Adela lived the life of a nun, devoting herself to prayer. However she remained in contact with her family and the ecclesiastical rulers of the lands she had once governed, maintaining her influence. While in the convent, she was overjoyed that her youngest son Henry was made a bishop in 1129.
Her Death
Adela lived in the convent in prayer and humility until her death on March 8, 1137.
Born : Around 1067 in Normandy, France
Died: March 8, 1137 in Marcigny, France
Beatified: Not Known
Canonized: Not Known
Feast Day: February 24
Patron Saint: None
Source:
Reflection
Saint Adela of Blois lived a life that bridged power and piety. As the wife of Count Stephen of Blois and mother of King Stephen of England, she played a key role in political and dynastic affairs of her time. Yet what sets her apart is not just her royal lineage but her deep personal faith and devotion to the Church. After her husband’s death during the Crusades, Adela governed the county of Blois with wisdom and justice—an unusual role for a woman of her time. Despite her power and influence, she eventually chose to withdraw from public life and entered the Abbey of Marcigny, a convent, where she lived out her days in prayer and service to God. She never let ambition overcome humility, nor grief overshadow her trust in Christ.
Saint Adela of Blois reminds us that holiness is not limited to one season of life or one vocation. Whether leading a household, governing a region, or living in a cloister, she remained faithful to her calling. Her story invites us to consider how we can serve God fully in whatever role we occupy, and to never stop seeking Him more deeply.
Am I open to God’s call in both times of leadership and quiet, and do I trust that my purpose can evolve throughout my life, just as it did for Saint Adela of Blois?
Prayers
Saint Adela of Blois,
You used your wealth and power to advance the Kingdom of God.
Help us to embrace humility and generosity in our own lives.
Pray for us, that we may grow in our love for God and others, so that we may be instruments of God’s grace and mercy in the world.
Saint Adela of Blois, pray for us. Amen.
Saint Links
AnaStpaul – Saint of the Day – 24 February – Saint Adela of Blois (c1067-1137) Widow
Catholic Online – Adela
Living Faith – Saint Adela
Patron Saint Stories – Saint Adela
Saint for a Minute – Saint Adela of Blois
Wikipedia – Adela of Normandy
Video Link
St. Adela of Blois: Heroin of the First Crusades – YouTube (Awaken The Saint)