St. Adelaide was born in France as the daughter of King Rudolph II of Burgundy in 931 AD. She was married, in a strategic political alliance, to the son of her father's rival, Lothair II of Italy, with whom she had one daughter, Emma. Her husband was killed at a young age, and his rival, Berengar II, attempted to force Adelaide to marry his son. She fled Italy and sought help from Otto the Great of Germany, to whom she was eventually married. She strengthened the German church's allegiance to the emperor and promoted Cluniac monasticism, playing a key role in the distribution of ecclesiastical privileges. After Otto's death, Adelaide exercised direction over her son Otto II until a rift in 978, when she left to live with King Conrad of Burgundy, her brother. At Conrad's advice, she later reunited with her son. In 983, she was entrusted with the role of regent in Italy, and by 991, she had risen to become the regent of the entire Empire. With her position as empress, she championed evangelization efforts, particularly in northern Europe, and generously supported the less fortunate. Adelaide led with wisdom until her grandson Otto III was ready to take the throne. Upon his ascension, she gracefully retired, dedicating herself to the noble cause of founding churches, convents, and monasteries. She passed away at the monastery of Seltz, Alsace, in 999 and was canonized by Pope Urban II in 1097.
St. Adelaide, you were zealous in establishing God's kingdom on earth. Pray for us to remain faithful to our Lord amidst the persecutions and trials of our lives.
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