Grata of Bergamo

Grata of Bergamo is an Italian saint and martyr, and sister of Asteria of Bergamo. Her parents were Saint Lupo of Bergamo and Saint Adelaide, duke and duchess of Bergamo. According to hagiographer Agnes B.C. Dunbar, Grata's husband was "a great king in Germany". She did not become a Christian until after his death, when she converted her parents to Christianity and persuaded them to build the cathedral of Bergamo. She became known as a holy woman in Bergamo, "especially for her zeal in securing Christian burial for the bodies of martyrs". She built three churches and a hospital for the poor in Begamo. She and her sister Asteria buried the body of St. Alexander of Rome, after Grata wrapped his head in a napkin. After her parents' death, she governed Bergamo "with wisdom and benevolence". Grata was put to death for burying Alexander. Her feast day is September 4.