She was of noble origin, Daughter of Pepino de Landen and Saint Ita, who in turn, was sister of Saint Begge. She left for a convent, in which she became abadessa. Later, when her mother established the monastery of Nivelles, Saint Gertrudes started to govern this monastery, until the end of her life, in 1359. This young nun, of such rich family, destined everything left to her in inheritance to the foundation of other monasteries. It was a very opportune gesture, because at that time the life of the people developed around the monasteries, that functioned as a species of school. There everything was learned, from kitchen work to deepest prayers. She became known as Saint Gertrude - The Great or Saint Gertrude - The Virgin.

 

Stained glass inside Santa Gertrudes Farm Church - XIX century.