Gertrude was born in Landen, Belgium in 626. Her father was Pepin of Landen (Charlemagne’s ancestor). After her father’s death, her mother founded a monastery for monks and nuns in Nivelles, Belgium. Gertrude became the first abbess
of Nivelles in 655 and was renowned for her hospitality to pilgrims. The abbey became a center for missionary work, especially for Irish monks. Gertrude’s ascetic lifestyle exhausted her and she resigned at the age of 30, she died soon after.
She is invoked against rats and mice and is often pictured with cats. She is also the patroness for travelers. Her feast day is March 17th.