Madelgaire was born of nobility around 607 in the town of Strepy les Binches, Hainault, Belgium. He became the Count of Hainault.

At the age of 28, he married the noble Waldetrudis, the daughter of Saints Walbert and Bertilia. She was born in Cousolre in northern France, to a wealthy and influential noble family. She was also the sister of Saint Aldegonde, foundress of Maubeuge Abbey.

Together they had 4 children, each of whom has been recognized as a Saint; A daughter Aldetrude, who was an Abbess of Maubeuge Abbey, a son Landericus, who became Bishop of Paris, a daughter Madelberte, who succeeded Aldetrude as Abbess, and a son Dentelin who was very pious and a confessor.

After the children had grown, the couple separated without dissolving their marriage to better dedicate themselves to the religious life.

He founded a Benedictine monastery of Hautmont, near Maubeuge, where he changed his name to Vincent and became a monk and abbot. She took the veil and founded her own convent, Sainte-Waudru, and the City of Mons grew around it. It remained until 1792.

His holy life and fame as a spiritual guide, attracted many of his former friends to the monastery, and they placed themselves under his spiritual direction. In the hope of finding even more seclusion, he erected a new monastery at Soignies, where he withdrew with a few monks about 670. Shortly before his death, he entrusted the monastery to his son, Landericus.

Vincent died in 677 and Waldetrudis in 688. The cities of Mons and Herentals, Belgium, both have large medieval churches that bear her name. The Collegiate Church of Soignies venerates his relics and is dedicated to him.

She is the patron saint of Mons, Belgium.

His feast day is September 20 and hers is April 9.

For God’s Glory.

Collegiale Saint Vincent a Soignies Church and Saint Waldetrudis Church in Herentals