The Basics: Born after 600 in France; died in 690 in France; canonized precongregation; feast day, August 25. Woman religious.
The Story: Many of us have stories about old love interests, but few end the way Hunegund’s did.
Born into a wealthy family, the first spouse Hunegund’s family planned for her died in childhood. The second was a man named Eudalus, and 
when Hunegund was old enough to marry, the plans were set.
The bride to be convinced her fiance (or husband; it’s unclear whether they had married or were planning to) to go on a pilgrimage to Rome. When they went to the pope for his blessing, Hunegund begged him to release her from her marital promise, and the pope agreed. Needless to say, Eudaldus was less than happy about this state of affairs. It took him longer to return to their hometown in northern Franced, and along the way he planned what he would do to grab what should have been her dowry. But when he arrived, he found Hunegund had joined a monastery, where she eventually became abbess.
Eudalus was struck by her devotion, and as time went on, they became very close friends. He handled all secular affairs for the monastery, and expressed to Hunegund his desire that he be buried there. After his death, he ceded all his property to the church… and Hunegund honored his burial request.
What We Can Learn from Hunegund: Don’t give up on people. It may not be safe to be around some of them, but continue to pray for them. You never know how the Lord is going to work in their lives.
To Learn More About Hunegund: Read her biography in A Dictionary of Saintly Women, Volume 1.
To Learn More About Other Women Saints and Blesseds: Come back next week, or consider buying my book, Sisterhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration.
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