St. Waltrude, sometimes referred to as St. Waudu or Waudru, was descended from a very holy family in Belgium. She was the daughter of Saints Walbert and Bertilia and the sister of St. Aldegunus of Maubeuge. She became the mother of Saints Landericus, Madalberta, Adeltrudis, and Dentelin after marrying St. Vincent Madelgarius. After their children were born, she persuaded her husband, the Count of Hennegau, to follow a monastic life. Later, in 643, he established an abbey in Haumont, France.

She built a little house, lived alone, and gave away everything she owned. Still, a lot of people went to her for counsel and wisdom. She eventually gained so many followers that it became necessary for her to order the construction of a monastery at Chateaulieu, the area surrounding which is now home to the Belgian town of Mons. She was well-known for her compassion and her miraculous healings by the time of her death in 688.

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