St. Mildburh

 Happy Thanksgiving! or as some say, "Turkey Day" (I have never liked that term). I have been enjoying the time with family. We all like puzzles and completed one today featuring birds. So, for the turkey and for the bird puzzle, today's Saint is a patron of birds.

Mildburh (Millburga) lived in the eighth century. She was the daughter of Merewalh, King of the Magonsaete. She was the order sister of St. Mildrith and St. Mildgytha. The three sisters have been likened to the three theological virtues of faith, hope and charity. 

Mildburh was sought in marriage by a neighboring prince. She escaped across a river and the prince was prevented from following when the river miraculously became so swollen that he was unable to ford. She entered the Benedictine monastery of Wenlock, Shropshire.

Mildburh was noted for her humility and was said to be endowed with the gift of healing. She organized the Evangelization and pastoral care of South Shropshire. She is said to have had a mysterious power over birds; they would avoid damaging local crops when she asked them to. She was also associated with other miracles in local legends. Her Feast Day is February 23.

St. Mildburh, pray for us.