Saint Gertrude of Nivelles

This past Saturday was March 17th. Otherwise known as St. Patrick’s Day. Just learned about another saint who shares the same day as St. Paddy. She’s Saint Gertrude of Nivelles. She’s the patron saint of cats, travelers and the mentally ill.

Now I’m not Catholic. I’m more informed about Pagan deities than Catholic Saints. However when it comes to spirituality, everything connects. In fact, saints are often used for decoys for various deities in other belief systems. That’s a whole other subject itself.

This saint is not to be confused with another saint of the same name, Saint Gertrude The Great, who was a German Benedictine, mystic, and theologian. This particular Saint Gertrude of Nivelles has a different story. Recently her name has been spread on the Internet as the saint of felines. So next you’re spending quality time with your kitty, give Saint Gertrude a little thanks.