In Praise of Shared Beauty

St. Radegund and her muse, Venantius Fortunatus

Rijksmuseum, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

I wonder when Radegund first conceived the idea of becoming a nun. Perhaps during her early childhood in her uncle’s home, when she learned he killed her father?

Or, around the age of reason, after her family was decimated by the Franks, when she was carried off by Clothar to become his wife in training? Did she know then?

Perhaps she knew when Clothar’s other wives bore children at the time of her marriage?

Or, more likely, ten years later, when Clothar murdered her only surviving brother?

She finally left him then, and sought to live as a religious in a villa that was part of her dower. Eventually, Archbishop Germanus of Paris had to intervene to keep Clothar from reclaiming his prized “possession.”

When he finally died in 561, Radegund was able to establish a monastery in Poitiers with ample funds from Clothar’s desire for absolution prior to departing this life. She dedicated the rest of her life to providing a haven for women like herself who had been abused by the violence of the era.

Venantius Fortunatus arrived on the scene in Poitiers and began a friendship with Radegund and her spiritual sister Agnes that lasted two decades. Their shared love of poetry and beauty was healing to both. Venantius abandoned his troubadour lifestyle, and settled there, dedicated to showering his beloved with poetry that survived the murderous age in which they lived.

It may seem odd to highlight a pair like Fortunatus and Radegund at Christmas. Even the hymns that Fortunatus is famous for honor the Holy Cross, and seem more appropriate for Lent. (Among his works are Pange Lingua and Vexilla regis, still sung today as part of the Holy Week liturgies.)

But there are many who are not surrounded by a large and loving Christian family, and whose friends provide needed succor and strength all through the year. The beauty of friendship is a gift worthy of the Magi, who hoped to be counted among the friends of the newborn King.

Especially for women who may have endured violent and humiliating treatment at the hands of the Clothars of the world, I propose a toast to all those men who bring forth beauty in the lives of women, and honor their accomplishments so that history will not forget about them.

There are so many little ways to weave beauty into our lives and friendships! Have a beautiful holiday season!

Peace be with you,

Kristen