Saint Gertrude of Nivelles was a noble-born from saintly parents. At 10 she refused any and all marriage prospects. At 13, after her father died, Gertrude founded the Benedictine Abbey of Nivelles with her mother and was installed as abbess in 639. The Abbey's hospitality welcomed travelers, wishing them no misfortune. She was a mystic, who helped the poor, elderly, and sick. Townspeople called her to ward off rat and mice infestation thus becoming the patron of cats. She died in March at age 33 after a life of prayer and penance, becoming the patron of gardens because of the prospect of fair weather.
