Adelbald was born in Flanders in 652. He was a servant in the court of Dagobert I. The young man, who was noble and virtuous, undertook many adventures on the orders of the king to subdue the rebels in Gascony.
During the tour, he once befriended a gentleman by the name of Arnold and married his daughter, Richtrodis.
The marriage was not to the liking of the bride’s relatives. They were hostile to Adelbald. But Adelbald’s marriage was a happy one. Adelbard and Richterudis led exemplary family lives, doing good deeds such as caring for the sick, helping the poor and converting criminals. They had four children. The children grew up in knowledge and holiness because of the good example and good advice of their parents.
Meanwhile, Richtrudis’ relatives invited Adelbald to come to Gascony. He could not understand the evil intent behind that invitation. When he reached Gascony, they unexpectedly attacked him and Adelbald was seriously injured and died soon after. This tragic event naturally plunged Richterudis into grief. However, in obedience to God’s will, she accepted her husband’s body and buried it with all Christian honors. It is said that many miracles took place there later.
It was not uncommon at that time for God’s people to honor those who were richly endowed with religious zeal, service, and sanctity of life as martyrs when they were unjustly killed by their enemies. Adelbald is also considered a martyr. Later, Richtrodis and his son Moron were ordained by a virtuous life. Thus Adelbald, Richtrodis, and Moron, members of the same family, became saints.