(c.931-999) Princess Adelaide was the daughter of King Rupert II in Burgundy, modern-day France. She married Lothair at 16, and he became the king of Italy. Her husband died soon after, possibly poisoned in a power struggle, and she married the German King, Otto the Great. Otto was crowned emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, and Adelaide reigned with him for 20 years. She became regent years later to her step-grandson, Otto III, and used her power to help the poor, evangelize, and rebuild churches and monasteries.
Saint Adelaide had worldly power and prestige and used it to serve others. When taking a personal inventory in Step 4 or Step 10, the temptation is to focus only on our defects and overlook our assets. We need to be aware of both. How do you use your personal assets to serve others?
“Receive these humble gifts from Adelaide, servant of the servants of God, sinner by nature and Empress by the grace of God” (Saint Adelaide).
Reflection by Brad Farmer