Saints 

In this page, we will give short bios of saints which we have on sale or in our private collection

Saint Liberata also known as wilgefortis

In popular European folklore, she is depicted as a crucified woman with a beard. Legend says she prayed to ruin her forced marriage to a pagan king, miraculous facial hair grew, and her enraged father crucified her. She became an intercessor for women seeking freedom from abusive marriages. 

Wilgefortis, also known as Liberata, Kummernis in Germany, in England as Uncumber, and in France as Livrade, among other names, she was one of nine daughters of a pagan Portuguese King. When her father wanted her to marry the King of Sicily, despite her vow of virginity, she prayed for help in resisting the marriage, whereupon she grew a beard and mustache and the suit was withdrawn. Her father was so furious he had her crucified. For it is said that a poor minstrel playing an air before the saint's statue was rewarded by her giving him one of her precious shoes. St. Wilgefortis' feast day is July 20.

Saint Liberata also known as wilgefortis bearded lady