Saint Bega | |
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Born | Ireland |
Died | Northumbria |
Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Anglican Church |
Major shrine | St Bees Priory, Cumbria |
Feast | 31 October (Aberdeen Breviary) 7 November (in St Bees) |
Attributes | virginity, bracelet |
Major works | "Oracio ad Sanctam Begam" |
Bega is a medieval Irish saint of Northumbria, venerated primarily in the town of St Bees. According to her Life, she was an Irish princess who fled to Northumbria to escape an arranged marriage to a Viking prince. She became an anchoress and was renowned for her piety. Multiple churches have been dedicated to her in England, and her feast day is still celebrated in St Bees.