Saint Gerlac of Valkenburg – Feast Day – January 5

Saint Gerlac of Valkenburg was born around 1100 in Netherlands, Europe. He worked in Netherlands and died around 1172 – 1177 in Houthem, Netherlands. His Feast Day is celebrated on January 5.

Saint Gerlac of Valkenburg Life History

St Gerlac of Valkenburg was born around 1100 in Valkenburg Netherlands. He came from a noble family and was a soldier in the German’s army emperor.

Gerlac lived a miserable and sinful life until God’s grace touched him at a knight tournament in ​​the Duke of Gulik.

When the tournament was ongoing, he received the news that his wife was dead. This tragic message overwhelmed him with uncontrollable grief.

Without hesitation, Gerlac left the army and returned to Houthem, Netherlands. Gerlac did penance the rest of his life, first by caring for the sick in Jerusalem for seven years, then giving away his property, living as a Hermit.

Late in life, Gerlac developed a dispute with some local monks who wanted him to join their monastery.

He was friends with Saint Hildegard of Bingen. On January 5, 1170, Gerlac saw Saint Gervase. Gerlac died in 1172-1177 at Houthem, the Netherlands of natural causes.

Saint Gerlac of Valkenburg Date of birth

St Gerlac of Valkenburg was born around 1100 in Netherlands, Europe.

Place of Birth

St Gerlac of Valkenburg was born around 1100 in Netherlands, Europe.

Family Background

St Gerlac of Valkenburg came from a noble family and was a soldier in the German’s army emperor.

Profession

Led a wild and licentious life, part as a highwayman, until the death of his wife, after which he experienced a conversion. Did penance the rest of his life, first by caring for the sick in Jerusalem for seven years, then giving away his property, living as a hermit in a hollow tree near his own estate.

Each week he travelled to Maastricht to venerate the relics of Saint Gervase, to Aachen, Germany to venerate Our Lady. Much slandered because of his early life and his austerities.

Late in life he developed a dispute with some local monks who wanted him to join their monastery. Friend of, and correspondent with Saint Hildegard of Bingen. Had a vision of Saint Gervase on 5 January 1170.

Saint Gerlac of Valkenburg Date of Death

St Gerlac of Valkenburg died between 1172 – 1177 at Houthem, the Netherlands of natural causes.

Saint Gerlac of Valkenburg Place of Death

St Gerlac of Valkenburg died between 1172 – 1177 at Houthem, the Netherlands of natural causes.

Saint Gerlac of Valkenburg Feast Day

St Gerlac of Valkenburg is among the famous Saint whose feast Day is celebrated on January 4 every year.

Beatification

St Gerlac of Valkenburg was beatified by Pre Congregation.

Canonization

St Gerlac of Valkenburg was canonized by Pre Congregation.

Patron Saint of

He is being represented as a patron Saint against cattle disease, against plague and domestic animals.