Burgundofara

Burgundofara (born c. 595, died between 643 and 675) also called Fara and Sainte Fare, was a virgin, abbess, and saint. Born to a noble family near Meaux, near Paris, she was consecrated by the Irish missionary, Saint Columbanus, to enter a monastery at a young age. Her father, Agneric, who was a principal official at the court of Theodebert II, opposed his daughter's desire to become a nun and arranged a marriage for her, despite her consecration. He threatened her life when she refused, but Saint Eustathius, Columbanus' successor, intervened. She used her father's funds to found a monastery in Faremoutiers, a double monastery that became one of the most distinguished in France. Medieval scholars have discussed Burgundofara's demonstration of how noble women who entered monasteries handled wealth and property during the Middle Ages. She lived at and was abbess of the Faremoutiers monastery for 40 years. Burgundofara is the patron saint of Cinisi, Sicily, and of eye ailments. She is devoted in France, Sicily, Italy, and other countries. She performed miracles both before and after her death. Her feast day is December 7.