Saint Notburga

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This is an iconic sculpture of Saint Notburga (circa 1265 - September 13, 1313), also revered as Notburga of Rattenberg or Notburga of Eben, a renowned Austrian saint from the region of modern Tyrol. She proudly serves as the patron saint of servants and peasants. Notburga was an esteemed cook in the household of Count Henry of Rattenberg, dedicated to secretly feeding the poor with leftover food. However, her mistress Ottilia ordered her to dispose of any remaining food to the pigs. To continue her philanthropic mission, Notburga cleverly saved some of her own rations, especially on Fridays, and surreptitiously distributed them to the needy. According to her legend, one day her master unexpectedly confronted her, demanding to know what she was carrying. She obediently complied but cleverly disguised the food as shavings and wine as vinegar. As a result of Notburga's courageous actions, Ottilia promptly dismissed her, but soon fell severely ill. Notburga remained by her side, providing tender care and preparing her for her eventual demise. Next, Notburga took up employment with a peasant in Eben am Achensee on the condition that she be allowed to attend church services in the evenings before Sundays and festivals. One evening, her master urged her to continue working in the field. With unwavering determination, she flung her sickle into the air and boldly declared: "Let my sickle be the judge between me and you," and astonishingly, the sickle remained suspended in mid-air. Meanwhile, Count Henry had been experiencing a series of difficulties, which he attributed to his hasty dismissal of Notburga. In a surprising turn of events, he rehired her. Shortly before her passing, she instructed her master to place her corpse on a wagon drawn by two oxen and to bury her wherever the oxen came to a standstill. The oxen pulled the wagon to the chapel of St. Rupert near Eben, where she was laid to rest.